At DMG MORI’s traditional open house held in Pfronten, Southern Germany from 11 to 15 February 2020, the global machine tool manufacturer stressed digitalisation and automation.
Areas of particular focus were on end-to-end connectivity as the standard for all machines, updating of existing versions of the Celos machine interface, the new customer portal my DMG Mori, and the cooperation with US software provider Tulip as an entry into digitalisation.
Among more than 40 machines on show there were three world premieres: The DMC 65 H monoBLOCK universal, horizontal-spindle machining center, the modular PH Cell automated pallet handling system and the Lasertec 400 Shape for laser texturing.
DMC 65 H monoBLOCK
The DMC 65 H monoBLOCK combines the flexibility and ergonomics of a 5-axis vertical machining centre with the productivity and process reliability of a horizontal machining center. Optimal chip evacuation makes the machine particularly suitable for reliable machining of aerospace structural components.
Those working in the mould and die sector will benefit from the possibility of machining deep holes up to 550mm, while contract manufacturers will appreciate the flexibility provided by the swivelling rotary table that allows the use of workholding towers as well as full 5-axis machining of components weighing up to 600kg.
PH Cell pallet system
The PH Cell automated pallet handling system with a footprint of just 10.7m² will be demonstrated feeding a DMU 65 monoBLOCK machining centre. Pallet loading from the side provides good accessibility to the working area. The system is of modular design and offers a high degree of flexibility.
The basic version can accommodate up to 12 500mm by 500mm pallets, 16 400mm by 400mm pallets or 20 320mm by 320mm pallets over three or four levels. The system can be expanded by a second module, making up to 40 pallet storage spaces available. The second module can be retrofitted without the need for any additional footprint. A separate and optionally rotatable set-up station allows ergonomic workpiece preparation while machining is in progress.
Lasertec 400 Shape
The Lasertec 400 Shape expands the DMG Mori machine portfolio for 5-axis laser structuring into the range of large moulds up to 3 350mm by 1 350mm by 1 000mm and weighing up to 20 tons. The newly developed laser head swivels from -100 to +135° and has a rotation range of ±200° making it possible to produce undercuts.
The ergonomic and thermo-symmetrical gantry design ensures precision and outstanding texture quality at three times the speed of other models in the range. A large variety of textures in reproducible quality can be machined with functional features such as high gloss, scratch resistance or water-repellence.
Automation solutions
In total, 15 automation solutions were on show including the new PH Cell on a DMU 65 monoBLOCK, a DMC 90U duoBLOCK with PH-AGV 50 automated guided vehicle pallet automation system, and a CTX beta 1250 TC with Robo2Go Vision.
The PH-AGV 50 offers flexible automation with free access to the machine and an intelligent safety concept for human-machine collaboration. The Robo2Go Vision is a further development of flexible robot automation and enables direct loading of Euro pallets. Using a new 3D camera, it recognises workpiece positions without the need for racks or to restack the parts.
Additive manufacturing
The demands placed on additive manufacturing technology are constantly changing. DMG Mori is taking this into consideration in the further development of its Lasertec 3D hybrid, Lasertec 3D and Lasertec SLM series. Principal areas of interest are the availability of the machines, their productivity, component quality and occupational safety.
As a highlight in Pfronten, the company presented the Lasertec 125 3D hybrid, launched in November 2019. Based on the sturdy monoBLOCK series, it is designed for parts measuring up to 1 250mm in diameter by 745mm high and weighing up to two tons. The rigid machine construction and high dynamics of the machine enable accurate, reliable, cost-effective complete machining of complex 3D parts.
A key selling point of laser deposition welding is the possibility of changing between two materials quickly under CNC. Hard surfacing to reduce wear can be specifically carried out in one area and corrosion-resistant welding to prevent environmental impact in another.
For more information contact Retecon on TEL: 011 976 8600 or visit www.retecon.co.za
