The time required to complete an order is a critical factor in determining overall productivity. Modern navigation systems can significantly reduce non-productive downtime on the machine, helping operators work more efficiently and effectively. As market competition intensifies, manufacturing companies must continuously adapt to survive. Product diversity is increasing, technological innovation is accelerating, and product life cycles are becoming shorter. At the same time, market saturation is rising, making it harder for businesses to stand out. The time required to prepare products is also growing longer, and production interruptions due to new processes are becoming more frequent.
Stama Machine Tool Co., Ltd. in Schlierbach offers both vertical machining centers and comprehensive "turnkey" solutions. Traditionally, the "key-in-the-lock" program included not only the creation of jigs and tools but also the full process technology. In the future, minimizing downtime will be achieved through shorter product life cycles, smaller production batches, and the use of high-performance equipment. Off-road systems for machine tools can greatly enhance production efficiency.
A "smart" clamping tool plays a crucial role in streamlining the preparation and loading of workpieces. Standardization is key to this process. Tools like face mills, reamers, and thread drills can be stored directly in the machine tool magazine. However, removing extra tools from the magazine or unnecessary items can take a significant amount of time, leading to inefficiencies. A short engagement time for tools can prevent the machine tool magazine from preparing the next tool quickly enough, resulting in unproductive operating time. If the follow-up tool isn't ready, the shortest clamping time cannot be achieved. Therefore, the machine tool magazine must remove tools in the sequence dictated by the program.
Manually sorting and loading tools into the magazine has two major drawbacks. First, existing tools need to be moved before new ones can be inserted. Second, necessary sister tools may not be properly positioned. With the buffer station, the "Stama Navigation System" ensures proper tool sorting. It uses the first program to assign storage space in the magazine and then uses the program order to arrange the tools. From the second section of the program, the system continues to sort tools correctly. When a tool reaches its service life, the system automatically calls the corresponding sister tool to the correct position. If multiple programs require the same tool at the same time, the system can organize a logical processing sequence to minimize fixture time.
The downtime of the machine depends primarily on the number of tools to be mounted. Additionally, modern processing methods allow the machine to insert the next required tool while performing the current process. This "fastest" tool magazine doesn’t rely on traditional NC programs and can hold other tools during the main operation (Figure 1). While switching NC programs or replacing the clamping device, the machine can still deliver the required tool from the magazine. This enables automatic part family changes and processing method switches with minimal downtime, without requiring operator intervention.
The "fastest" magazine’s statistical software tracks the usage frequency of different tools and replaces the main tool with one that has the lowest wear rate. This reduces the number of fixtures and associated non-productive time by up to 70%. In a stable manufacturing process, optimizing tool operations is essential for increasing output, reducing delivery times, and lowering per-unit costs. Reducing part failure rates and minimizing the time between production interruptions and system restarts are also critical steps that are often overlooked.
Dynamic navigation systems capable of returning to the "starting point" of the system are vital for efficient machine operation. In the past, maintainability, quick component replacement, and good service were equally important. However, error correction functions often failed to account for the machine's state when it was turned on. If tools interfere, production must stop immediately, which can have serious consequences. Conditions like thread idling or undercutting require multiple feed axes to idle simultaneously—something that cannot be done manually. If a drill bit becomes stuck in a threaded hole, the clamping washer must be released, and the machine must be reset in the Z-direction.
If a tool gets stuck in an undercut, manual removal is impossible. Operators may attempt to adjust axial feeds and "squeeze" the tool out, but this risks damaging the spindle. Continuous spindle damage and resulting downtime are often the real cause of machine stoppages. A navigation system that can reset the tool to a safe initial position is essential. Specialized machine tools also require specific processes and tools, and each NC program must include a retract program. The "Stama Initial Position Program (HPP)" addresses these needs by allowing the programmer to store tool identifiers in the NC program. Tools are categorized (e.g., drills, end mills), and the machine navigates accordingly to avoid collisions. This function works for both emergency stops and power failures. The operator simply presses the "HPP" button (Figure 2), enabling fast and efficient recovery.
Event monitoring is another key feature of modern systems. Collision-free idling helps prevent severe consequences from production interruptions, but navigation systems alone cannot interpret or eliminate the root causes. Modern CNC systems provide alarm and error logging, allowing for early detection of issues. However, sporadic errors may go unrecorded. For example, pressure fluctuations in compressed air used for cleaning can affect performance. Mixing certain functions together may lead to failures. If pressure drops briefly and recovers, identifying the issue becomes difficult. Similar challenges arise with clamp pressure leaks or oil spills during wet processing. Unless the system treats an error as a fault signal, short-term loss of the "clamped" signal may not trigger a shutdown.
The "Slama Event Monitoring" function identifies the true cause of disruptions using statistical data related to machine status. This allows for timely identification and resolution of issues such as switching vibrations or poor contacts. The three-level navigation system guides operators in diagnosing machine downtime. It includes non-erasable memory for recording the machine’s status since commissioning. By comparing event counts in erasable memory with absolute numbers, the system can analyze past incidents and failures. This helps identify patterns before a current production interruption occurs (Figure 3).
Navigation systems also help avoid non-productive auxiliary time. Dynamic navigation systems assist operators in handling complex or time-consuming tasks. Unlike car navigation, machine tools can independently execute guidance instructions via the numerical control system. This system is effective not only for tool division in the magazine but also for collision-free idling. It prevents costly mistakes under special conditions, significantly reducing non-productive time without increasing the machine's dynamic load.
Non Woven Garment Bags,Non Woven Garment Bags Wholesale,Non Woven Garment Bags For Sale,Non-Woven Bags
JIANGSU KIND UNDERSTAND NEW MATERIAL TECHNOLOGY CO.,LTD , https://www.kindunderstand.com