MICRO IN GERMANY | FOCUS
WORLD PREMIER OF ALICONA MANUFACTURING’S
Closed-Loop Machine at Control 2014
At Control 2014 Alicona Manufacturing and machine manufacturer Makino presented a high-
precision electrical discharge machine (EDM) based upon True Adapt Closed-Loop Manufacturing
technology as developed through the collaboration of Austrian based Alicona Imaging GmbH and US based EDM Department. The state-of-the-art
machining centre with integrated 3D measurement centre offers an end-to-end solution for
production as it allows self-optimised performance through high-resolution, non-contact 3D
metrology fully integrated into a precision machine tool. This new processing method eliminates clamping errors and has the potential to increase
machining accuracy fourfold within EDM, grinding, laser and milling industries.
<< Figure 2: Te state-of-the-art machining centre with integrated 3D measurement center offers an end-to-end solution for production. >>
<< Figure 1: Alicona Manufacturing
presented a high- precision EDM
machine based on closed-loop
technology at this year’s Control fair trade. >>
internal measurement evaluates possible deviations from the target geometry and reports them directly to the machine, which eliminates the need to remove parts for measurement. Based upon the internal evaluation, the machine automatically modifies the process parameters for further manufacturing. As a result of this closed loop “processing- measuring-modifying-processing”, users experience up to four times the accuracy in comparison with traditional measurement methods.
CLM Machine Alicona Manufacturing’s CLM machine is composed of a Makino machining centre and an integrated optical 3D measurement sensor from Alicona. This technology allows miniaturised EDM components with complex geometries to be manufactured using continuous high-resolution measurements for inspection. High measurement speed in conjunction with high vertical resolution enables machine-to-machine communication while measurements of form, position and surface finish ensure quality and adherence to various tolerances.
Formed through the collaboration of optical metrology expert Alicona Imaging and manufacturing specialist EDM Department, Alicona Manufacturing debuted the latest generation of EDM machining centres in May 2014. At Control 2014, Alicona Manufacturing and machine manufacturer Makino together brought this manufacturing generation to the next level through the presentation of a unique combination of high-resolution optical 3D measurement technology and automated machine programing. Based upon an “Industry 4.0” or “Smart Manufacturing”, Alicona Manufacturing is setting the trend of integrated manufacturing by offering a novel production system where components are measured directly inside the machine. The
True Adapt Technology Benefits Mark Raleigh and Dr. Stefan Scherer, Co-CEOs of Alicona Manufacturing, agree that enabling self-controlled production through this pioneering technology will present worldwide users with a multitude of benefits. A few of the benefits include: up to a fourfold increase in machining accuracy; elimination of clamping errors; automated quality assurance; 25% resource savings; a more efficient deployment of personnel and shorter lead times at a better output ratio. Mark Raleigh is confident about this revolutionary processing method as he explained: “The integrated measurement sensor verifies what the machine is currently doing. As a result, the production accuracy is increased while adverse effects of the environment are reduced.” Alicona Manufacturing’s CLM machine, although offering diverse applications, is dominantly applicable within the mould and tool making industries. To quote Dr. Scherer: “The main CLM application clearly lies in mould and tool making. Our area-based, dense and high resolution metrology allows better control of the production process than a simple tactile point measurement, for example.”
10 | commercial micro manufacturing international Vol 7 No.3
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52