Automation Cube Tackles Tool Setup for Lights-Out Production

What do a cube, an iPad and lights-out machining have in common? HAIMER is inviting visitors to their booth to find out. The company is reintroducing its latest innovation in automation technology — the Automation Cube One — after debuting a prototype of the technology at IMTS 2022. Now, the Automation Cube has been updated to fully optimize high-volume production environments by automating the tool presetting and balancing process, allowing for 24/7 unattended machining with minimal human interaction.

The Automation Cube integrates HAIMER’s shrink-fitting technologies with measurement capabilities and tool management, delivering a streamlined solution that reduces unnecessary setup time. “We call it the tool room of the future,” says Pete Garcia, digital marketing manager for HAIMER. “It takes a worn tool assembly, scans the holder, verifies its information and outputs a new tool assembly that’s measured, balanced and ready for production.”

Building on the prototype from 2022, the current Automation Cube is said to be a complete, scalable system that integrates seamlessly with HAIMER’s presetting and balancing technologies. This year, the company’s booth emphasizes automation and digitization, presenting the Automation Cube as a key component of a fully connected tool management ecosystem.

Alongside this, HAIMER is also highlighting its collaboration with Wintool CNC Tool Management software, which further enhances tool management efficiency by tracking tool usage and wear. Garcia points to this combination as a holistic solution for managing everything around the machine tool, maximizing productivity and accuracy in high-production shops.

Attendees can also witness live demonstrations at HAIMER’s 6,000-square-foot booth, where the company will also feature its wide portfolio of toolholders, balancing solutions and cutting tools. As a nod to customer engagement, HAIMER is hosting a “Shrink Fit Challenge,” encouraging visitors to test their skills in toolchanging. If booth visitors can shrink a tool with a maximum tolerance of 10 µm in Z, their business card will be entered into a raffle box for a chance to win an iPad.