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| Kottmaier CNC Dreh- und Frästechnik; Lauterbach (Germany) | | A Perfect Team | Sinamics and Sinumerik sl debut in Spinner universal lathe
Using the new Sinumerik platform, the Sinumerik solution line (sl) with Sinamics drives in a universal lathe demonstrates the manifold capabilities of the new CNC control generation. The open architecture facilitates the integration of manufacturer-specific software, and the interaction with the Sinamics drives offers new possibilities in error diagnosis. Pilot project user, Helmut Kottmaier, is pleased with the results.
Kottmaier CNC Dreh- and Frästechnik, located in Lauerbach, Germany, is a job shop that specializes in high-quality turning and milling parts as individual and mass production units. Founded in 1987, the 16 company employees utilize state-of-the-art machining centers to turn out stainless steel workpieces for notable manufacturers and suppliers in the automobile, aerospace and machine manufacturing industries.The jewel among the metal-cutting machines in the 900 square meter production bay is a CNC universal lathe, the TC 110-MC, built by the Sauerlach-based machine manufacturer Spinner. The machine is equipped with Sinamics drive technology and the new control generation of the Sinumerik solution line.Prototype convinces immediately"Spinner introduced this machine at the EMO in Hanover last year, and we bought the prototype right at the show," Helmut Kottmaier proudly reports. The combination of an extremely robust metal-cutting machine and high-performance drive technology with state-of-the-art control technology from Siemens immediately convinced the businessman. "Over the years, we specialized our operation in the machining of stainless steels - and it is a well-known fact that this places great demands on machine tools."Solid mechanical engineeringAside from high-performance spindle drives with powerful torque and great chip-cutting efficiency, a particularly robust mechanical construction is important for metal-cutting machines used for tough, high-strength steels. In this respect, the TC 110-MC measures up to the best, as Erhard Böhm, sales manager of Spinner for Bavaria, observes. "This machine is conservative in its architecture. In other words, it has slide rails that are significantly sturdier than roller bearing guides."Ingenious combinationThe combination of the robust mechanical design with powerful drive technology and an innovative control make the TC 110-MC an outstanding metal-cutting machine. The Sinumerik solution line features an open HMI architecture that allows for the integration of application-specific functions as well as a customer-specific surface configuration. This, for example, enabled the integration of customer-relevant graphics at Spinner.The large 1FT6 and 1FK7 servomotors of the TC 110-MC, featuring absolute valuator devices and an integrated "Drive Cliq" interface, as well as the 1PH7 geared motor with attached ZF indexing drive for the main spindle, are also from Siemens. The internal "Drive Cliq" system interface also creates new diagnostic opportunities.Clear operator interfaceFor the first time, the Thin Client technology is used to operate the TC 110-MC. Kottmaier was particularly pleased with the user-friendly interface: "The 15-inch screen is clear, the control buttons are ergonomically arranged and, what is more, the display is significantly more appropriate for industrial use than the otherwise customary mini versions. The integrated ShopTurn operating and programming software is easy to use and can be programmed fully graphically."Kottmaier also finds the integrated 3D simulation very helpful: "You can run through the program on the screen and check if everything is progressing smoothly. That's easy on the nerves and saves us scrap." In addition, Kottmaier praises the enormous computing power of the control, as well as the new storage capabilities via compact flash card and USB stick that facilitate the transmission of user programs and data.Apart from the technology, Kottmaier also appreciates the service from Siemens: "In our experience, support comes promptly via telephone or e-mail if there is a problem." Erhard Böhm concurs: "We developed the TC 110-MC in close cooperation with the specialists from Siemens Mechatronic Support, and this collaboration has functioned superbly. However, the Siemens specialists were not only big help during the development. We were also able to rely on the support from Siemens during the one-week final test prior to delivery to Kottmaier."Users rely on SiemensFor Axel Spinner, authorized signatory and sales manager at the machine manufacturer of the same name, the decision in favor of the drive and control solution from Siemens was clear: "The new, more powerful drive technology and the comfortable operator interface make the choice an obvious one. Moreover, many of our customers insist on a Siemens solution."The Kottmaier lathe was the first of its kind with a solution line control and Sinamics drives. In Spinner's production, however, there is a second pilot project machine in use based on the same drive and control platform, the VC560 CNC machining center, which features a table size measuring 650 millimeters x 410 millimeters and travel in the X-, Y- and Z-axis of 560, 410 and 410 millimeters."These two pilot project machines are just the beginning," Axel Spinner is happy to report, "because we have several contracts for more CNC lathes and milling centers with integrated Sinamic drives and solution line control."Article as PDF: German English
Motion World 1 / 2006 | |
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