At Emuge-Franken, manufacturers of threading, gaging, clamping and milling technology, sensors and dynamometers from Kistler are used to aid in the development of new precision tools.
With the Kistler technology, Emuge-Franken facilities in Germany make an objective assessment of the forces and torques that act during the cutting process, which can lead to new innovations in manufacturing technologies such as thread production.
Emuge-Franken has used measurement technology from Kistler since 1998. "We currently operate three Kistler products in our development department: one force/torque sensor and two dynamometers. These include the 9170A rotating 4-component dynamometer (RCD) that rotates in the spindle, so we can measure torque as well as the forces along the three spatial axes," said Julian Raum, a mechanical engineer in the Application Technology and Development Department at Emuge.
Developers at Emuge‑Franken use the measuring instruments from Kistler in bench tests aimed at optimizing tools and processes: the results play a crucial part in achieving the desired quality. "Rather than relying on subjective assessment criteria such as noise development, vibrations and visual impressions, we've been taking more measurements on our products since about 2014," Raum said. "The sensors give us dependable quantitative feedback that allows us to make far better comparisons between tools, and we can vary the individual parameters to implement all-round process optimization."
Pushing the limits of what is feasible
One example is Emuge‑Franken's Punch Tap product. Helical (or spiral) cold-forming of threads is a production process that saves as much as 75 percent of the time taken by conventional technologies, with no compromises on quality, said Raum. "Punch Tap was developed jointly with a major OEM in the automotive sector. We had to validate the processes directly on the customer's production line, and that was when knew we could count on measurement technology from Kistler," he said. "Their sensors and dynamometers help us to understand how changes to the tool's macrogeometry and microgeometry impact the process force and torque, and they also give us better insights into the kinematics in the machining process."
Kistler products are also used in the development of geometries, coatings and kinematics at Emuge‑Franken. "Thanks to piezoelectric technology from Kistler, we can take dynamic measurements with high sampling rates. Because the piezo system is rigid, it has a high natural frequency and does not become deformed – unlike a strain gauge sensor," Raum continues. "These measuring systems operate very stably, and they deliver highly accurate measurements. We are also extremely satisfied with the support we received from Kistler during and after the practical testing at FRANKEN in Rückersdorf. The high quality of Kistler products speaks for itself: we began operating the very first dynamometer at EMUGE in 1998 – and it was only taken out of service in 2019! Their measuring equipment is very robust, and it can also withstand tool breakages in most cases."
Measure, analyze and understand
In addition to the 9170A dynamometer, Emuge‑Franken's tool development department is equipped with the 9345B force/torque sensor and the 9257B 3-component stationary dynamometer, and this technology is helping the company prepare for the future.
Raum said he could envision deploying accelerometers from Kistler for on-site process optimization at customers' premises in the future. For example, this would make it possible to test milling processes with different cutting parameters, and the vibration behavior of the entire system could be assessed. "Wireless data transmission is another feature that would be of interest to us. A measuring chain that does the job without cables would deliver a whole series of practical benefits."
For more information on Emuge-Franken products, phone the company's U.S. headquarters at 508-595-3600 or visit the company's web page.
Related Glossary Terms
- dynamometer
dynamometer
When drilling, a device for measuring the generated torque and axial force (thrust). When milling, a device for measuring the generated torque and feed force. When turning, a device for measuring the tangential, feed and radial forces.
- gang cutting ( milling)
gang cutting ( milling)
Machining with several cutters mounted on a single arbor, generally for simultaneous cutting.
- milling
milling
Machining operation in which metal or other material is removed by applying power to a rotating cutter. In vertical milling, the cutting tool is mounted vertically on the spindle. In horizontal milling, the cutting tool is mounted horizontally, either directly on the spindle or on an arbor. Horizontal milling is further broken down into conventional milling, where the cutter rotates opposite the direction of feed, or “up” into the workpiece; and climb milling, where the cutter rotates in the direction of feed, or “down” into the workpiece. Milling operations include plane or surface milling, endmilling, facemilling, angle milling, form milling and profiling.
- tap
tap
Cylindrical tool that cuts internal threads and has flutes to remove chips and carry tapping fluid to the point of cut. Normally used on a drill press or tapping machine but also may be operated manually. See tapping.
- threading
threading
Process of both external (e.g., thread milling) and internal (e.g., tapping, thread milling) cutting, turning and rolling of threads into particular material. Standardized specifications are available to determine the desired results of the threading process. Numerous thread-series designations are written for specific applications. Threading often is performed on a lathe. Specifications such as thread height are critical in determining the strength of the threads. The material used is taken into consideration in determining the expected results of any particular application for that threaded piece. In external threading, a calculated depth is required as well as a particular angle to the cut. To perform internal threading, the exact diameter to bore the hole is critical before threading. The threads are distinguished from one another by the amount of tolerance and/or allowance that is specified. See turning.
- web
web
On a rotating tool, the portion of the tool body that joins the lands. Web is thicker at the shank end, relative to the point end, providing maximum torsional strength.
Author
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