Fully Automatic Boring Head Performs Without Human Operator

The Big Kaiser EWA Automatic Fine Boring System from Big Daishowa Inc. performs closed-loop boring operations without a human operator. The company says this feature eliminates the need to stop the spindle to manually adjust the boring tool, resulting in time saving. Also, eliminating human interaction reduces cost, improves accuracy and minimizes scrap. The adjustment range of this fine boring head enables for the handling of multiple bore sizes with the same tool and promotes a repeatable boring process.

The EWA fine boring head is available in two sizes, one with a boring range of Ø2.677"-5.276" (Ø68-134 mm) and the other with a range of Ø.394"-2.126" (Ø10-54 mm). EWA kits are also available for each of these head sizes. These can include inserts, insert holders, a controller, antenna and protective case.

The EWA can be used on machines with BT/BBT30-40-50, CV/BCV(SK)40-50, BIG CAPTO 5-6-8 and HSK-A63-80-100-125 spindles, Big Daishowa says. The Automatic Fine Boring System is able to integrate in three primary configurations: fully integrated, PC control or tablet control.

With a fully integrated system, the EWA control software runs directly on the machine tool control via an app or technology cycle, requiring no external control device. Big Daishowa notes the fully integrated system can only be integrated on new machine tools.

For legacy machines, a PC interface between the machine tool and the EWA can provide a fully automated, closed-loop control cycle. Commands are sent from the machine tool to the EWA, automatically adjusting the tool in synchronization with the machining process.

The PC acts as a synchronization interface between the machine tool and the EWA. It stops the machining cycle after the touch probe makes a measurement, reads the result and sends the corresponding adjustment value to the EWA. After the EWA has been adjusted, the PC notifies the machine tool to continue the process.

Big Daishowa adds the EWA can also be operated as a standalone tool, controlled manually with the BIG KAISER app on a tablet or smartphone. This enables the option to measure bores using an in-machine probe or manually and to make fast adjustments in the app. Adjustments also can be done semi-automatically, Big Daishowa reports. In this scenario, the company says the head will move to pre-entered diameter values after a stoppage.