Measuring a variety of tools

This variety of workpieces and machines at the company naturally requires an almost unmanageable number of different drilling, boring, turning, milling, and reaming tools. Up to 50 tools need to be prepared, measured, adjusted and set up for each workpiece. 

For example, there are up to 120 different tools in the tool magazine of the automated machining center with pallet station. In order to accurately set and measure this large number of tools, LIDU invested in a »venturion« series tool presetting and measuring machine from ZOLLER over ten years ago. On the »venturion«, mainly rotationally symmetrical tools such as drills and milling cutters for the machining centers are measured and set.

The presetting and measuring machine proved its worth within a short space of time. "As turning tools of any design can also be measured and set just as easily and conveniently on the ZOLLER machines, we decided to purchase a second ZOLLER »venturion 600« presetting and measuring machine back in 2015," says Benedict Dammann. 

This means that even exotic tools, such as long cantilevered angle heads for driven tools, can be set and measured with ease. "The ZOLLER operating concept with touchscreen and pictograms meets our requirements exactly. The system guides us quickly and intuitively through the process of measuring and setting the tools."

ZOLLER TMS offers flexibility

"When it came to selecting a suitable software system, the features and benefits of the ZOLLER TMS Tool Management Solutions software convinced us all round," say Thomas Lorrek and Benedict Dammann. The software needed to be as consistent as possible, match the existing presetting and measuring machines, and be easy and convenient to use. 

“At ZOLLER, we found exactly the right system for our requirements with the TMS Tool Management Solutions tool data management system,” says Lorrek. "It is particularly advantageous that all affected areas in production work with the same user interface: the AV with CAM programming, tool preparation, the tool store and the setters and operators at the machining centers. That was one of the decisive reasons for choosing ZOLLER TMS." 

In order to make further ZOLLER TMS Tool Management Solutions software usable at all workstations, LIDU has installed freely movable tablets with data connection via WLAN.

Choosing the right partner

"In order to benefit from similar advantages, we also intend to manage the measuring and inspection equipment with the TMS Tool Management Solutions software system from ZOLLER," says Dammann. 

This digitalization with software systems from ZOLLER makes a decisive contribution to significantly more flexible and economical production and also improves process reliability. 

“Using these advantages is a key criterion for continuing to manufacture in Germany in the future and being internationally competitive,” says Frank Schaefer. "ZOLLER is clearly the right partner with regard to our further objectives."