• May 31, 2023
  • Machine Tools
  • Cutting Tools
  • Software
  • Metrology
  • Accessories
  • Mechatronics
  • About us
  • Contact us
  • REGISTER
  • SIGN IN
www.cnctimes.com logo
  • News
  • CT+
  • Webinar
  • Knowledge Center
    • INDUSTRY UPDATES
    • INTERVIEWS
    • VIDEOS
    • TECHNICAL ARTICLES
    • CASE STUDIES
    • PRODUCT SHOWCASE
    • BLOGS
    • SUCCESS STORIES
    • NEWSLETTERS
  • Start Your Subscription
  • Register
  • Sign in

Information

Please login to give the feedback.

Subscription Plans

Subscription Type
Duration
Months
News
Articles
Blogs
Case Studies
Videos
Product Updates
Webinar
Amount
CT
Lifetime
Lifetime
Full Access
Limited Access
Full Access
Limited Access
Limited Access
Limited Access
No Discount
INR 0.00
CT+
6 Months
6 Months
Full Access
Full Access
Full Access
Full Access
Full Access
Full Access
5% Discount
INR 599.00
CT+
Annual
12 Months
Full Access
Full Access
Full Access
Full Access
Full Access
Full Access
10% Discount
INR 999.00

Subscription Plans

Subscription Type
Duration
Months
News
Articles
Blogs
Case Studies
Videos
Product Updates
Webinar
Amount
CT
Lifetime
Lifetime
Full Access
Limited Access
Full Access
Limited Access
Limited Access
Limited Access
No Discount
INR 0.00
CT+
6 Months
6 Months
Full Access
Full Access
Full Access
Full Access
Full Access
Full Access
5% Discount
INR 599.00
CT+
Annual
12 Months
Full Access
Full Access
Full Access
Full Access
Full Access
Full Access
10% Discount
INR 999.00
Successfully registered. Please check your email to activate account.

Registration
  • Sign In



Sorry Captcha Unsuccessful!!

Sign In


OR
If your not registered user first Register
  1. Home
  2. News
  3. eldec Quality Control: Comprehensive quality assurance for induction hardening

eldec Quality Control: Comprehensive quality assurance for induction hardening

08 November, 2016
  • Tweet
  • share via email
Your comment has been posted.
We have sent you a verification email. To verify, just follow the link in the message.
Some technical error. Please try again.

By Niraj M Wanikar, Chief Editor, CNCTimes.com, 2016-11-08 11:37:00

More than ever, production planners in the automotive industry are pursuing zero-defect strategies—as much as possible considering the tremendous increase in the technical complexity of vehicles over the last few years. Consequently, requirements have become even stricter, resulting in even more sources of error in production. The frequent recalls we have seen in recent years have been evidence of this. Therefore, comprehensive quality monitoring is becoming increasingly important for many OEMs and automotive suppliers.

This especially true for heat treatment processes, as they have a major influence on the stability of important parts within the automobile. With this in mind, the induction specialists at eldec are intensifying their commitment to the quality monitoring of induction hardening machines: “eldec Quality Control” is proof of that and includes an entire package of new modules designed to optimize process reliability. The components build on and complement one another, and together, they guarantee customers an extensively monitored hardening process.

The numbers keep rising: The Center of Automotive Management (CAM) in Bergisch Gladbach, Germany, has calculated that more than 45 million vehicles were recalled in the USA in the past year alone. According to the CAM, “safety problems” are the cause. That is why over the course of two years, more than 108 million vehicles had to be inspected and repaired, at enormous costs to suppliers. While there are several causes behind this, unreliable production processes definitely play a central role. The machinery industry is therefore committed to raising quality assurance to the highest standards.

“eldec Quality Control” (eQC) is an excellent example for this. The induction specialist, based in Dornstetten, Germany, has divided its package of quality assurance tools into two areas: “electrical monitoring” and “mechanical monitoring.” These include three entirely new modules that help to assure the quality of the hardening process: tool identification by RFID chip, continuous measurement of the induct voltage, and monitoring of the quenching medium with a sensor.

“Together, these and other eQC measures return a wealth of data, which is all saved and compared against various reference values. When discrepancies are detected, the machine reports the problem and under certain conditions, will stop the process,” says Andreas Endmann, Head of Technology Sales for hardening systems at eldec. “It's hard to imagine better process reliability and quality monitoring than that.”

Is the right tool being used?
Tool identification is a good example of how this actually works in practice. Before production starts, the machine knows if the correct inductor for the selected machining program has been inserted and what condition the tool is in. It gets this information by reading and caching important performance data, such as remaining tool life and impending maintenance intervals, from an RFID chip in the tool.

When the process is completed, new information is written to the chip. A new read-write unit is installed in the connection system of the machine for this purpose. In the event of tool defects or errors, the process will not start. “But the possibilities don't end there,” Endmann says. “For example, the machine can be informed about the manufacturing tolerances of the tool and adjust its axis automatically as needed. In this way, the system also improves the machining quality.”

How much electricity is flowing through the workpiece?
Increased quality, fewer process failures—this is also the benefit of the second new module in eQC: The electric voltage can now be measured at the base of the inductor during production. Normally these power values are measured only at the inverter, which sends the electricity to the tool. In other words, the new system tells you for the first time how much electricity actually “arrives” at the tool. Why is this difference so important?

“It’s the only way to know how strong the magnetic field is that is generated by the inductor and permeates to the part. This value is directly affected by the shape of the tool and the part, the material, and other factors as well. Measurements at the inverter are not affected by that and are therefore not accurate enough. So we are now collecting the data that is generated right where the work is done and are incorporating it into process monitoring,” Endmann explains.

This means the heating of the part is monitored much more accurately, the hardening process is controlled with even greater precision, and the quality of the part increases even further as a result.

How does the quality of the quenching medium change?
Another important factor in the quality and stability of the hardening process is the state of the quenching medium. It changes during the process because the polymer chains in the medium are gradually broken down by light and heat. The quenching medium eventually loses the necessary surface tension.

“Checking the quality of the quenching medium regularly is therefore essential. At present, this is still often done by measuring the light refraction index. However, that does not indicate the condition of the polymer chains and is therefore too inaccurate. We now rely on a new sensor that uses ultrasound to continuously monitor the viscosity of the quenching medium and provides very precise information regarding its quality,” says Endmann, explaining the third new module in eQC.

This increases reliability especially when producing complex parts with many edges and bore holes, as these parts tend to crack when a quenching medium with deteriorating viscosity is used.

Comprehensive package for greater quality and reliability
All things considered, the German induction company believes that this package puts it in an ideal position. The eQC elements all build on and complement one another: Before production start, the newly inserted tool is checked and its condition recorded. During the process, the electrical power is measured with high accuracy directly on the tool. At the same time, a sensor continuously checks the quality of the quenching medium.

Other standard components, such as an energy controller, round out the comprehensive offering. “Industrial production changes very quickly in this day and age,” Endmann observes in conclusion. “The Industry 4.0 concept shows the way forward. Not only does production have to satisfy increasingly high standards of quality. At the same time, the quality and the process that creates it also have to be documented comprehensively. Our eQC concept covers both of these needs.”

Link back to original

  • Follow @CNCTimes

Captcha is required.
Sorry Captcha Unsuccessful!!

Latest News

  • 31 May, 2023

    Romi GL 250m horizontal turning center features high power, torque, feed force, and precision

  • 31 May, 2023

    Elite Robots’ 20kg payload cobot joins EC series and stands out for its remarkable ease of use

  • 31 May, 2023

    New VPGT-JP and -JS Geometry Inserts for Precision Finish Turning of Small Parts

  • 31 May, 2023

    Verisurf Presents Complete Measurement Solutions at EASTEC

  • 31 May, 2023

    BETA CAE Systems announces the release of v23.1.2 of its software suite

  • 31 May, 2023

    Spartan scientific expands KR media separated valve line

  • 31 May, 2023

    Dassault highlights latest planes, upgrades at EBACE

  • 30 May, 2023

    TungMeister GH730 and AH715 Grade Milling Heads Are Expanded

  • 30 May, 2023

    Robots for SMEs: Automation to combat shortage of skilled workers

  • 30 May, 2023

    IFS Cloud May 2023 release to advance business resilience efforts through optimization

  • 30 May, 2023

    HMS Networks Expands Range of Next-Generation Gateways with Anybus Communicator

  • 30 May, 2023

    New CMM Delivers Cost Effective Automated Coordinate Measurement

  • 30 May, 2023

    Stratasys to Combine with Desktop Metal

  • 30 May, 2023

    PTC showcases fully additively manufactured jet engine at LiveWorx 2023

  • 29 May, 2023

    BLUM presents the LC53-DIGILOG laser measuring system at the 2023 spring fairs

  • 29 May, 2023

    Individual chuck jaws with just a few clicks

  • 29 May, 2023

    TRUMPF makes electric cars more affordable

  • 29 May, 2023

    Seco JS754 stub series brings versatility and value when milling tough materials

  • 29 May, 2023

    Crocus Technology's z-axis TMR sensor

  • 29 May, 2023

    Altair Announces Release of Simulation 2022.3 Software Update

  • 29 May, 2023

    Airbus selects Airborne automated ply placement system

Previous Next

Related News

  • 23 May, 2023

    New model for improved computer numerical control machining

    Category: Machine Tools
  • 23 May, 2023

    Envision Digital and Dassault Systèmes Announce Global Partnership to Drive Industrial Decarbonization

    Category: Machine Tools
  • 22 May, 2023

    Mazak Showcases Ez Affordable Productivity at WMTS 2023

    Category: Machine Tools
  • 19 May, 2023

    Rockwell Automation Outlines Pathway to More Sustainable Future for Indian Industry

    Category: Machine Tools
  • 19 May, 2023

    MetalWorm introduces its range of robotic wire-arc Additive Manufacturing machines

    Category: Machine Tools
  • 17 May, 2023

    Siemens Mobility to present innovative developments for urban rail mobility

    Category: Machine Tools
  • 17 May, 2023

    Milling and Grinding of Large Components in One Set-Up

    Category: Machine Tools
  • 16 May, 2023

    DVF 5000 5 Axis Machining Centre-- A real crowd pleaser and showstopper

    Category: Machine Tools

TESTIMONIALS VIEW MORE

By Niraj M Wanikar, Chief Editor, CNCTimes.com, 2019-11-19 17:57:22We would like to express our sincere appreciation for your service to us.You have provided us best marketing platform through CNCTime...

Mr.Adil Atar, Ass.Mng.Technical Sales & Service: Precision Machinekraft

By Niraj M Wanikar, Chief Editor, CNCTimes.com, 2016-10-21 09:00:00Dedication and determination is key to success and CNC Times team is evident to it - FARO Business Technologies (I) Pvt Ltd

Ms. Amrita Gokhale , FARO Business Technologies

By Niraj M Wanikar, Chief Editor, CNCTimes.com, 2016-08-25 00:00:00Seminar was really very good, please let us know about future seminars. we would like to attend the seminar on "Machining of the mate...

Roshan Deshmukh, Design Engineer - Ashvini Magnets Private Limited

FOLLOW US

TECHNOLOGY FOCUS

    Machine Tools

    • CNC Lathe
    • Boring Machines
    • Drilling Machines
    • Spark Erosion
    • Wire Cut
    • Vertical Machining Centers - VMC
    • Horizontal Machining Centers - HMC
    • Grinding Machines
    • Gear Cutting Machines
    • Additive Manufacturing - RP
    • Multi-Axis Machines
    • Multi-Tasking Machines
    • Welding Machines
    • Presses
    • Laser Cutting
    • Others
    • IIoT

    Metrology

    • CMM
    • VMM ( Vision Measuring Machines )
    • PCMM ( Portable CMM )
    • Measuring Instruments
    • Probing Technology
    • 3D Scanners
    • Roundness Measurement
    • Surface Roughness Measurement
    • Contour Measuring Machines
    • Others

    Accessories

    • Workholding
    • Toolholders
    • Spindles
    • Coolants
    • Others

    Software

    • CAD
    • CAM
    • CAE
    • ERP
    • Inspection Software
    • Reverse Engineering Software
    • MES
    • Others

    Mechatronics

    • Robotics
    • Automation
    • CNC Controllers
    • Others

    Cutting Tools

    • Turning Tools
    • Milling Tools
    • Grinding Wheels
    • Drilling
    • Others

INDUSTRY VERTICALS

  • General
  • Automotive
  • Aerospace
  • Healthcare
  • Healthcare Engineering
  • FMCG
  • Consumer Durable
  • Defence
  • Electronics
  • Oil & Gas
  • Heritage
  • Heavy Engineering
  • Die & Mold
  • Plastic
  • Footwear
  • Jobshop

PROFILE

  • About us
  • Contact us

Terms of use

  • Privacy Policy
  • Payment Policy
  • Refund Policy
  • Terms and Conditions

Follow us on:

Download CNCTimes App:

Play Store
2023 © www.cnctimes.com  | Payment Policy   |   Terms and Conditions
Developed & Maintained by Deven Infotech