MDA MAY-JUNE 2019 MDA May-June 2019 | Page 13

GHM edia B usiness |Article| The optional measuring stations are installed between the machining area and the pick-up stations. Measuring is performed on the way to loading/unloading achieving considerable time savings. manufacturing of cam parts, flanges, sleeves, and roller bearing rings at every level. (3 inches).” due to its two pick- up spindles and also ensures dynamics as well as repeatability and long-term accuracy with its direct distance measuring systems in the X-axis, size 45 recirculating roller guide rails, and innovative linear motor. It is the perfect solution for turned parts with diameters of up to 75 millimeters Minimizing Cycle Times “Quantity and quality” are shaping The possibilities made possible by transmission manufacturing more this approach become clear from a than ever: Considering the increasing simple description of the production number of gears in transmissions, the sequence: A simultaneous process quantity of gears and other toothed (OP10/OP10) is performed on two components produced is undeniably on the rise. At Short cycle times as a result of the same time, simultaneous machining: Planetary Gear the quality of the Example: 12 second cycle times for a total machining time of 24 seconds (two components must working spindles are used). also increase in order to achieve the power density required in modern t ra n s m i s s i o n s . The performance features expected of transmissions, such as a long service life with optimal dynamic response, also still apply. Is it at all possible to reconcile growing quality and productivity requirements with generally increasing pressure on costs? “That was identical workpieces, quickly, within precisely our goal,” says Björn Svatek, the machine. Both components are Sales & Marketing Director Modular picked up from the conveyor belt by Solutions at EMAG. “We have developed the two pick-up spindles (9.9 kW/136 a low-cost machine, that enables high Nm at 40% duty cycle), transported output volumes with short lead times to the machining area, and machined 13 | may-june 2019 Global MDA Journal in a single clamping operation—the diameter and length (X/Z directions) of the two components can be adjusted independently, since the movement of the spindles is entirely autonomous. The linear motor in the X-axis combined with the direct distance measuring system also increase the speed in the simultaneous sequence. What cycle times are possible with these features? “It obviously depends on the component and process,” says Björn Svatek. “Generally, the average chip-to- chip time is just under five seconds. VL 1 TWIN Line EMAG uses the productive twin approach for advanced manufacturing solutions. For example with the VL 1 TWIN Line:two VL 1 TWIN machines are linked together using the TrackMotion automation system. Machining is then performed simultaneously on two sides of two components in OP10 and OP20. This allows for cycle times of less than 20 seconds to be achieved for the entire OP10/OP10 and OP20/ OP20 sequence—an incredibly low figure, ensuring significantly lower unit costs for the soft machining of planetary gears. The system is also equipped with an extensive parts storage area for raw and finished parts. The use of space optimizedstacker pallets allows for a large number of components to be accommodated in a very small space. Doing so, by stacking the parts as the name already implies. With the TrackMotion automation system linking machines, EMAG is able to deliver multi-technology production lines. Let’s take gearwheels as an example: After machining two sides Global MDA Journal