IMTS visitors experienced live machining with the WFL M50 MILLTURN/3000 mm. The multifunctional turning-boring-milling center is designed for complete machining of complex chuck and shaft parts up to 670 mm swing over bed. Turning, milling, drilling, hobbing, shaping, gun drilling as well as ID machining can be performed under any angle of the tool. The interpolation of up to 5 axes makes machining of any geometrical profile possible. Large safety windows provide the best possible overview of the working area. The machine also has an innovative and energy-saving lighting concept with LED lamps. On this machine, trade fair visitors were able to witness a demo part being machined live.

WFL develops special tools, which are perfectly tailored to the MILLTURN and are used to machine complex workpieces. Hard to access machining area often require long special tools. WFL prismatic tool holders can be used for precisely this kind of challenging machining operation and are secured to the turning-boring-milling unit in addition to the HSK or Capto tool system with a prismatic tool accommodation. These tooling solutions enable users to maximize the machine’s full potential.

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 WFL iControl, the new process monitoring system. iControl directly processes signals coming from the machine or from external sensors, such as coolant flow rate, coolant pressure, vibration sensors in a boring bar or the clamping force of a clamping jaw.

Machine stats are recorded with myWFL Cockpit. The program monitors override positions and logs program runtimes. This provides a constant overview of the machine's productivity and the variability of program runtimes. myWFL Energy permanently measures and logs the machine's energy and compressed air consumption. This consumption can also be broken down into individual tools or process steps, allowing comparisons to be made. myWFL Condition Monitoring enables the user to move spindles and axes by running an idle program at cyclical intervals. The program uses sensors to record forces and vibrations. Long-term evaluation shows, for example, whether there is an imminent change in the bearing or in one of the guide systems. This helps to avoid unforeseen downtimes and plan machine maintenance in a timely manner.

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. WFL Millturn Technologies was located at Booth #338666 in the South Building.

www.wfl.at