The IMTS will run September 9th to 14th 2024 in Chicago. From around the globe, the industry gathers to discover the latest in innovations and technologies changing our future through advanced and traditional manufacturing, robotics, automation, and digital transformation. The M50 MILLTURN – the so-called WFL power pack – will be presented at the booth of WFL.

Visitors can experience live machining at the M50 MILLTURN with 4500mm center distance. The M50 MILLTURN has its advantages in the wide range of tools that can be used in powerful drives, in the rigid connection of prismatic tools on the B-axis, in good ergonomics at the operator station and in various tools and cycles implemented on the control panel to increase productivity and process reliability. The customer can configure “his machine” using many available technology modules. The corresponding WFL cycles on the control support the customer in generating a productive workflow.

Industrial design and perfect ergonomics

As far as the M50 MILLTURN is concerned, special attention has been paid to a user-friendly access to the standard tool magazine, which is accessible from the front via the generously dimensioned viewing windows. Moreover, the large viewing windows in the sliding doors allow for a perfect overview of the working area. Especially bright LED lamps, which are similar to daylight, are installed within the working area of the basic machine as standard. There is a separate pick-up magazine for very long and/or heavy tools. Work pieces with a length up to 1600mm can be used and changed automatically. Even though the disc magazine can be enhanced up to 200 stations recently, all tool stations can be accessed directly. Furthermore, reliable optical sensors are installed within the tool magazine for monitoring the tool stations.

WFLs online collision prevention: Crash Guard Studio

WFL continuously optimizes the machining processes in their machines. However, there are always interruptions requiring operator intervention, such as measurements and controls. It is important to minimize these interruptions to make best use of the availability and productivity of the machine. This is ensured by software packages in the machine control as well as additional intelligent clamping devices and tools automating the processes.

One of these tools is CrashGuard Studio, which will also be demonstrated at IMTS in Chicago. The realistic 3D simulation software CrashGuard Studio is the ideal tool for testing and optimising CNC programs after they have been created or modified. This can be done either on an external workstation or directly on the machine control unit. Thanks to the optimisation of the entire processing sequence and an error correction at an early stage, the risks of collisions and of producing scrap parts as well as unproductive run-in and down times are now a thing of the past.

This allows the use of a whole new range of potential features and thus achieves significant competitive advantages. CrashGuard Studio is the ideal supplement to any CAD-CAM software and for the WFL CrashGuard collision prevention software. Data for workpieces, tools and clamping devices can be transferred as required.

With the interactive graphics of the Millturn PRO programming software, NC programs can be created efficiently and easily, thereby enabling CrashGuard Studio to become a universal programming system for complex workpieces (without freeform surfaces). Programming can be carried out on an external programming station or directly at the control panel of the machine itself. The programmed machining operations can be checked continually and step by step in CrashGuard Studio.

The technology cycles of WFL cover an extremely broad range of standard and special technologies for all conceivable cases of application. These program modules, which only require the input of parameters, make it possible to carry out efficient programming directly on the machine control or on a PC. The program can therefore be created for both complex and simple workpieces within the shortest period

Furthermore, WFL offers the appropriate technological solution for every gear cutting operation – from filigree internal gears with high accuracy requirements to large external gears, which require high roughing efficiency.

Always productive – automation solutions from WFL

Depending on the customer’s requirements, different automation variants are used for automatic workpiece loading and unloading. The series ranges from bar feeders to gantry loaders to articulated and mobile robots. Peripheral transport and storage systems for workpieces, tools and jaws can be combined as desired. FRAI and WFL act as your turnkey partner for high-end automation.

Come and see our latest innovations at our stand: South Building, Booth 8666.

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