IMTS & AMB Preview: HAIMER i4.0 - Connected to the future

By Niraj M Wanikar, Chief Editor, CNCTimes.com, 2018-07-31 12:19:00

If you want to take advantage of digitization in the production environment, you have to ensure the continuity of data, a seamless data flow. The HAIMER Group will be showing how digital solutions for tool management can look like at IMTS in Chicago (west hall, booth #431546) and AMB in Stuttgart (hall 1, booth C71) – in September 2018.

The HAIMER Group - the world market leader in tool shrinking and balancing technology - has become a system provider for the entire tool management process in recent years. In September 2018, visitors can experience the complete product program at the HAIMER booths at two of the most important international manufacturing shows in North America and in Europe. The International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) will kick off in Chicago on September 10th and one week later on September 18th, the International Exhibition for Metal Working (AMB) will start in Stuttgart, Germany. 
We will present a wide variety of products from tool holders and presetters, shrinking and balancing technology to solid carbide end mills and 3D sensors. HAIMER can bundle all these components with its Tool Room hardware solutions with functional and ergonomic workplace design.
Wherever you look at the HAIMER booth - the idea of digitization has taken on a consistent form: all products are perfectly coordinated with each other and fulfill the requirements for network integration and continuous data flow.

Communication with the tool 

HAIMER offers two options for integrating tool holders via digital communication in production. The first option is the RFID data chip, which HAIMER tool holders can optionally be equipped with. This wireless readable and writable data memory ensures the secure identification of the respective tool and its chuck. It is able to store the actual data (geometry, balancing grade, etc.) given by balancing and presetting devices and to then transfer it to the machine tool. It can also collect information from the machine tool, for example, with regard to the tool life. 
As another option, the chucks are available with a laser-printed QR or Data Matrix code, which can be read by scanners and evaluated by several systems. It contains the serial number of the tool, which allows a cross-software solution, e.g. the HAIMER DAC (Data Analyzer and Controller) to establish a connection with the corporate network, thereby enabling a clear identification of the tool and to access additional tool data. (Assembly, Part Numbers, Stock Adjustment, 3-D Models). However, in this case, additional information cannot be stored on the tool itself.

Data exchange between shrinking, balancing and presetting devices 

To maximize the benefits of digitization in the machining environment, network compatibility of shrinking, balancing, and presetting devices is essential. Not only must machines communicate with tools or their RFID chips, they also need to be able to exchange important data with external management systems, such as customer networks or in the cloud. This includes, for example, the ability to receive target-data for tool presetting and to then transfer the respective measured data to higher-level systems or RFID technology after the presetting or balancing process. 
The HAIMER Data Analyzer & Controller enables the bidirectional exchange between all HAIMER products, the machine tool and the corresponding data memories. This software solution is easy to operate, supports the user in the analysis of production data and contributes to the optimization of processes. Another software, the HAIMER Smart Tool Data Exchange 4.0, takes on the task of preparing the relevant tool data in such a way that it can be transferred into common external software solutions.

Shrink fit devices – i4.0-ready 

In the pursuit of data continuity, HAIMER also further developed well-established products, such as the shrink fit devices of the Power Clamp series. In autumn 2017, the tool clamping specialist presented their new i4.0 series. The well-established Basic, Profi and Premium line machines are now supplemented by 3 Power Clamp device categories: Premium i4.0, Sprint i4.0 and Comfort i4.0. As the name suggests, they are all industry 4.0-ready and network-compatible. In addition, the devices have a new, intuitive software that makes the operation easier, as well as a workshop-ready 7 "touch display that can even be operated with thin work gloves. On request, the Power Clamp i4.0 devices can be equipped with a scanner that reads shrinking parameters of data matrix codes. This makes automated shrinking very simple.

HAIMER quality – also for turning machines

In addition to digital enhancements, HAIMER will be presenting at the booth a multitude of useful novelties in the field of metal cutting. Along with high-performance products for tool clamping in the CNC milling machine, HAIMER now also offers clamping options for turning machines. The new shrink fit collets are available in ER 16 and ER 25 and are compatible with all common clamping nuts. They can also be used with driven tool holders. The optional Cool Jet slots ensure even more process reliability and maximum cooling. 
In the field of Duo-Lock™ - the modular tool interface for highest demands - HAIMER has expanded its range: Collets with Duo-Lock™ threads make it possible to preserve the advantages of the milling tools even when turning. The modular tools deliver maximum stability and resilience thanks to their unique double-cone thread design. Due to the high length repeatability the Duo-Lock cutting tool heads can even be changed within the machine. Duo-Lock collets are compatible with all conventional ER collet chucks for milling and they can also be used with driven tool holders and rotary transfer machines.
In addition to the collets, the Duo-Lock™ range also includes solid carbide, heavy metal or steel extensions as well as solid carbide blanks for maximum flexibility when customers wish to apply their own tool geometry.

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