Technology Days with HAHN+KOLB

 

The right entry into digitalized production

What does digitalization mean in manufacturing? What are the practical benefits and where do you actually start? At HAHN+KOLB’s Technology Days Southwest, 80 participants gained an overview of the basics of digital manufacturing processes. Practical examples show that even small changes can bring considerable economic benefits.

The digitalization of manufacturing processes is currently occupying many companies. Together with its partner companies, digitalization specialist GNT Systems, clamping device manufacturer Röhm and CNC automation expert WU Mechanische Werkstätte, HAHN+KOLB held three technology days in Ludwigsburg and Salgen to provide specific information on which processes can be considered in advance and then gradually improved.

“We use practical application processes to show where digitalization can help and support,” explains Uwe Schmelzer, Head of Development and Application Technology Machining at HAHN+KOLB. This includes machining technology, the efficient use of tool management and production control systems (TMS & MES), modern machining strategies, clamping technology and automation solutions. “It starts with small changes, for example with multiple clamping instead of single clamping, and does not end with the use of robots, the integration of maintenance and quality management or the digital order overview,” says Uwe Schmelzer. When planning, it is important to always start from the current state of a company and, building on this, to gradually improve processes with the help of digitalization. What each participant needs for themselves is very individual. Often, a lot of good things are already in place in companies that just need to be adapted.

Vivid and surprising

Concrete examples are always the focus of HAHN+KOLB’s Technology Days. In small groups, the participants go through different stations and discuss relevant starting points for digitalization in a direct exchange at the machine. For example, smart clamping jaws such as the iJAW from Röhm provide information that can be used to measure clamping tasks during machining. Machining processes can thus be optimized and accelerated. In the example shown, the production time per component was reduced by around 20 percent – from over twelve to under ten minutes.

Reliable milling strategies for unmanned weekends

However, the time factor is not always the decisive argument for a reliable milling strategy at the weekend. It is more important that the machine continues to work stably and error-free after the transfer to unmanned production. This requires, among other things, reliable chip removal or the supply of cooling lubricants in sufficient quantities. “The peripherals must be adapted to the unmanned processes, otherwise even the best and most modern machine is at risk of failure,” says Uwe Schmelzer.

The focus is on people

And common prejudices will also be dispelled at the event: “Digitalization does not replace people, it supports them,” emphasized Edin Ljubuncic, Managing Director of GNT Systems, in his introductory speech. It is not possible without experienced people and employees. On the contrary: digitalization offers them opportunities to improve processes – and thus save time; time that they urgently need for other tasks. Machining technicians are no longer there to insert parts into machines. Instead, they are machine and process managers who keep an eye on and control the entire process, including peripherals. Multiple clamping systems or robot-supported machine loading make multi-machine support considerably easier, increase production efficiency and relieve the strain on operators. This frees up time that can be used to optimize processes and prepare for smooth operations.

(c) Text: HAHN+KOLB