SW North America, CNC Machines and Automation
Published

Entry-Level Option for Machine Automation

This new modular handling system for Hermle machine tools is designed for shops that don’t necessarily need a complex and expensive robotic system, and it converts stand-alone machines into flexible manufacturing cells.

Share

Machine-tending automation solutions vary in sophistication and price points. In any case, many machine tool builders report an increased interest in automated systems. For example, Franz-Xaver Bernhard, member of the board at Hermle AG in Gosheim, Germany, says the company has been offering both advanced pallet changers and robotic handling systems for many years. It currently sells approximately 20 percent of its milling machines with automation, and the demand is increasing. However, he notes that there are many shops that don’t require such a high-end solution. Some might only need automated machining from time to time and don’t have the budget for an expensive robotic system.

According to Mr. Bernhard, Hermle, known for precise three- and five-axis milling machines, talked to many existing and prospective customers and saw a market for a part-handling system that is competitive with lower-priced systems from third-party suppliers. “There are many advantages to buying automation solutions and machine tools from one source,” he explains. “One of the reasons is safety. If a shop acquires a machine from one supplier and connects an automation system from another, then neither supplier is responsible for the safe operation and compatibility of the two systems. It is the user who has to make sure that all emergency stop systems and so on work.”

This is why the company designed the HS flex handling system, which is available in June, and is based on several components that are delivered as a complete unit. Only the workpiece-storage modules are installed and adjusted at the user’s facility. As a result, the entire installation and machining centers can be completed in a very short time, and the user can start machining with little delay, Mr. Bernhard says.

In contrast to the company’s robot systems, the HS flex is available with a single gripper, but can be expanded to connect two Hermle machines with the HS flex duo (basically two single systems connected between the machines). The HS flex is designed for workpieces weighing as much as 990 pounds and is suitable for Hermle’s High-Performance series C 12, C 22, C 32 and C 42 machines as well as its more affordable, entry-level Performance-Line C 250 and C 400 five-axis machines it recently introduced. (At this stage, the system can only be connected to current machine models due to a lack of compatibility of older CNCs, software and interfaces. However, Hermle is working to make the system compatible with older machine models.)

The HS flex is exclusively made for Hermle machines, which have stable machining beds made from mineral castings. The bed design only allows for front-mounted automation systems, but Hermle has created a flat mineral casting bed onto which the three axes of the handling unit are operated to offer ergonomic access for the operator.

The system’s dual-door design, which has already proven its functional benefits in Hermle’s robot systems, provides a twofold function: It prevents operator access during tool change, and it provides access to the working-view position and working area during machining while also preventing access to the handling unit.

The rotary, lifting and linear axes of the handling unit enable precise movement of heavy workpieces between the setup station, storage modules and the machining center’s working area. It is designed for pallets as large as 19.7 by 15.7 inches. To minimize the sources of potential errors for the operator, the maximum workpiece height is queried beforehand at the setup station, thereby preventing workpieces with dimensions beyond specified dimensions from being fed in.

Hermle has paid particular attention to the development of the storage modules, Mr. Bernhard explains. One module is installed as standard, and an optional second module can be adapted. The modules are structured as a rack, offering customization potential of the pallet/workpiece arrangement. As many as four rack shelves can be ordered with as many as 20 pallet storage spaces per module, providing 40 possible pallet storage spaces when two storage modules are installed. Using a specially developed storage generator, which tests both the permitted weights and dimensions, the storage arrangement can be defined quickly and easily.

The HS flex system is controlled and managed using the proprietary Hermle Automation Control System (HACS). The HACS is said to enable smart order management, which intuitively aids operators in their daily duties via a software solution that can be operated by means of a touch panel. It can also be combined with the Hermle Information Monitoring System, which displays machine status in real time and can be shown on any tablet, smartphone or desktop.

SW North America, CNC Machines and Automation
Campro USA
YCM Alliance
JTEKT
TIMTOS
715 Series - 5-axis complete machining
IMTS+
World Machine Tool Survey
KraussMaffei
MMS Made in the USA
VERISURF
DN Solutions

Related Content

Managing Coolant with Skimmers, Refractometers and More

Bacteria-infected coolant harms machines and sickens machinists. Coolant management technologies like skimmers and automated systems counter this tendency.

Read More
Automation

Four-Axis Horizontal Machining Doubles Shop’s Productivity

Horizontal four-axis machining enabled McKenzie CNC to cut operations and cycle times for its high-mix, high-repeat work — more than doubling its throughput.

Read More
Automation

Using the Toolchanger to Automate Production

Taking advantage of a feature that’s already on the machine tool, Lang’s Haubex system uses the toolchanger to move and store parts, making it an easy-to-use and cost-effective automation solution.

Read More
Automation

3 Ways Artificial Intelligence Will Revolutionize Machine Shops

AI will become a tool to increase productivity in the same way that robotics has.

Read More

Read Next

Software

IMTS 2024: Trends & Takeaways From the Modern Machine Shop Editorial Team

The Modern Machine Shop editorial team highlights their takeaways from IMTS 2024 in a video recap.

Read More
Sponsored

Increasing Productivity with Digitalization and AI

Job shops are implementing automation and digitalization into workflows to eliminate set up time and increase repeatability in production.

Read More
Sponsored

The Future of High Feed Milling in Modern Manufacturing

Achieve higher metal removal rates and enhanced predictability with ISCAR’s advanced high-feed milling tools — optimized for today’s competitive global market.

Read More
Campro USA