PECM Issue 34 2018 | Page 146

Slim , smooth running and in a wide range of special designs : a four-digit number of HAIMER shrink-fit tool holders ensures stable processes and high precision at Schweiger .
When the toolmaker bought the first HSC machine about 20 years ago , he switched from mechanical collet chucks to HAIMER shrink fit chucks because of the improved runout accuracy . Compared to the products of other suppliers , the HAIMER shrink fit chucks won him over with its superior quality , “ a company goal that HAIMER and ourselves have in common .” “ If you take the example of the shrink fit chucks , this can be seen in the runout accuracy , which is , by default , below 3 μm .”
This is an important prerequisite for the tool makers from Uffing . After all , they do not produce injection molds for cheap consumables , they create highly sophisticated molds used in premium vehicles - for example used to make headlight end plates in 2-component injection molding . These customers place high demands on the end products and do not accept the slightest blemish . Accordingly , the injection molds have to meet similar requirements : as a rule , surfaces should be smooth as glass and tolerances of less than 2 / 100 mm must be maintained .
One of Schweiger ’ s main areas of focus in production is the milling of large complex molds , whereby individual workpieces can weigh up to nine tons . The cavities are often very deep . Typically between 300 to 400 mm , sometimes even up to 500 or 600 mm deep . This requires slim shrink fit tool holders , the use of shrink fit extensions as well as tools with extremely long shanks . “ Another strength of Haimer . The company offers a large variety of tool holders standard . If required , however , we can always order a wide range of special designs ,” emphasizes production manager Orterer . He points again to the extremely good runout accuracy properties , which apply equally to standard and special tool holder designs . Not only do they contribute to excellent machining results , they also spare the spindle and the tools .
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A long tool life enables unmanned operation
In general , a longer spindle life means considerable costs savings , but the tool live is even more important in automated production . “ In order to work unmanned , I need an absolutely reliable , long-lasting system of spindle , tool holder and tool ,” explains Anton Schweiger .
Schweiger machines many large injection molds automatically in one clamping operation – for 40 to 50 , sometimes even 100 hours , non-stop . A broken tool or even a spindle damage during unmanned operation would be fatal . In addition , a rigid and stable connection is important to achieve the requested surface quality . “ A key to this is the Haimer tool holders ,” adds the company owner , “ they enable process-reliable machining .”
Not every requirement of the toolmaker can be optimally fulfilled with standard tool holders . Anton Schweiger especially appreciates the close cooperation with the HAIMER specialists and the flexibility of the company in Igenhausen . “ For us it is important that Haimer listens to the users ,” emphasizes the entrepreneur .
His HAIMER contact , Oliver Lechner , sales manager for Southern Germany , always responds quickly to inquiries . Lechner comments , “ After that , we supply Schweiger with the required custom-made products , such as special , conically shaped face mill arbors that allow the machining of cavities up to 360 mm depth .” Anton Schweiger adds , “ These tool holders are perfectly adapted to the tool diameter and the respective cavities . That is how I can , without any concerns , let the machines work without supervision - even for roughing .”
Specialist for complex large-scale molds
The tool and mold making company , Schweiger , was founded in 1962 by Erich Schweiger . Today , under the management of his son Anton Schweiger , it has around 75 employees and generates around 10 million Euros in sales each year . Their core business consists of complex injection molds weighing between 5 and 30 tons , 99 percent of which are supplied to the automotive industry .
They are mainly used for the production of headlight covers , optical and visual components .
Customers include German premium manufacturers , as well as their 1st tiers . In addition to automated production with standardized processes , Schweiger sees its strength in turn-key solutions . The services range from support in product development to series production and aftersales services .
About HAIMER
HAIMER is a family run , medium sized company located in Igenhausen , Bavaria near Augsburg , Germany . We design , produce and sell innovative , high precision products for metal cutting as well as for other branches including automotive , aerospace , energy , rail and general machining . Next to our large offering of tool holders in all popular interfaces and lengths , including our shrinking and balancing machines , as well as our 3-D Sensors , solid carbide cutting tools our product offering now also includes tool presetting machine .
Further information can be found at : www . haimer . de