PECM Issue 34 2018 | Page 144

MACHINING SCHWEIGER MOLD MAKING HAIMER INTERFACE FOR PROCESS-RELIABLE MACHINING Schweiger Formenbau (Schweiger Mold Making) relies on automation to produce high-precision injection molds at competitive costs in Germany. In order to achieve the required, high process reliability, the large-scale mold manufacturer does not make any compromises. For tooling they rely on tool holders, shrinking, balancing and tool presetting technology from the system supplier HAIMER. The owner-managed Schweiger GmbH & Co. KG from Uffing at Staffelsee in Bavaria specializes in one of the most demanding industries: the automotive industry. For Managing Director Anton Schweiger and his approximately 75 employees, this means 144 PECM Issue 34 having to meet the highest standards of precision and quality with every injection mold produced. Additionally, they are competing in a global market, which, among other things, is subject to enormous cost pressure. However, facing the strain of global competition, the qualified toolmaker and his team have adjusted and positioned themselves accordingly. They rely on an automated process chain which ensures absolute security and ends with injection molds that meet all requirements. In 2016, for example, the company built a new production hall and invested in two DMC 210U and 270U 5-axis DMG Mori machining centers, which are capable of processing even XXL components in one clamping operation. Equipped with an appropriate pallet automation, the machines run around the clock seven days a week - and all with just one-person shifts. On the weekends they run completely unmanned. This requires highest process reliability across all relevant components and functions. In this respect, Anton Schweiger has also focused on tool clamping technology, the often overlooked interface between spindle and tool. It bears great responsibility for the quality of the machining, the service life of the spindle and the tool life.