Smart cooperation for networked manufacturing

An important part of productive manufacturing is quick and automatic changeover of tools. But what about the path of the tools in and out of the machine? How can we ensure that the right tool is equipped? How can tools be changed with the maximum level of security and efficiency? And what about the supply, monitoring and maintenance of cooling lubricant – a key criterion for optimal machining results? How can the emulsion always be kept just right and how can machines be supplied without interruption?

These are many questions to which ZOLLER, MOTOREX and the CHIRON Group have provided compelling answers under the slogan »Better together – Better digital« as part of collaboration projects.

ZOLLER and the CHIRON Group: Automated tool handling with preventive collision protection

The core competency of ZOLLER is setting and measuring prepared complete tools. The first step in developing the smart solution for automated tool handling and tool changes is connecting the »venturion 450« setup and measuring device to the machining center. This enables tool data to be transferred directly – clearly, automatically and free from errors. Part two is integrating the full tool modeling data in the machine’s digital twin for comprehensive, preventative collision protection with the SmartLine module »ProtectLine«.

The third and highest configuration level comprises automated and highly efficient tool handling with the collaborative robotic assistant »cora«. The system from ZOLLER communicates directly with the machining center and ensures significantly increased productivity, both around the machine and in the machining process.

MOTOREX and the CHIRON Group: Intelligent coolant management with condition monitoring

To achieve optimum machining results, the conditions need to be perfect – and the cooling lubricant is an important way of achieving this. To keep the emulsion just right and supply it continuously to machines, the CHIRON Group is collaborating with MOTOREX. The system created by the Swiss lubricant specialist ensures continuous monitoring, dispensing, and maintenance and is scalable for every requirement. Incorporated into automatic condition monitoring with ConditionLine, all of the relevant values – such as the concentration, pH value, conductivity, temperature, and fill level – can be viewed directly and used for direct support.

In addition to providing the best conditions for different various materials, automatic fluid management also offers improved sustainability and health and safety. This means that the fluid can be used for longer and consumption is reduced by up to 25 percent. It is no longer necessary to use chemical additives in the tank that are harmful to health in the tank and the specified pH value is reliably adhered to.

Quotes

»To achieve optimum machining results, the conditions need to be perfect. Besides the machine itself, the cooling lubricant is an important way of achieving this.«

Adrian Schoch, Head of Application at MOTOREX

»We look at tools with a systematic approach that includes identification, setting, measurements, inspection, automation, storage systems, software, data transfer and digital twin solutions. All this is perfectly implemented in the collaboration project with the CHIRON Group.«

Christoph Zoller, CEO at ZOLLER