Automated production cell with optical metrology

The electrode is measured optically and then transferred to an EDM machine

The KLEINER production cell is based on a combination of different state-of-the-art technologies and machines. Two HSC milling machines, a die-sinking EDM machine, a cleaning system as well as tactile and optical measuring technology are currently in use. A 6-axis industrial robot controls the production and takes care of the assembly. KLEINER describes the process as follows: "We load a pallet system with the raw part, which is transferred to the cell or robot via a transfer station. First, a tactile measuring station determines the position of the workpiece. These references or coordinates are fed to the HSC milling machine, which mills the electrode. The electrode is then optically measured with Bruker Alicona in 3D and transferred to the die-sinking EDM machine, that finally produces the individual tool part.”

"With Bruker Alicona we are already able to automatically start and execute the measuring process in production”

The optical measurement of the electrode is already automated. Measurement results are currently monitored and processed by a worker, who, based on the measurement data, manually initiates necessary changes in the production process. KLEINER lays the foundation for smart manufacturing á Industry 4.0: "With Bruker Alicona we are already able to automatically start and execute the measuring process in our production process. We are currently working on enabling networking with other machines so that machine parameters are automatically and continuously adjusted based on the measurement results,” explains Haman, initiator and mastermind of the KLEINER 4.0 project. This is how the stamping technology company entitles the production cell and thus establishes the context to Industry 4.0.