At a two-day event, gear industry experts from Europe, Asia and the United States had the opportunity to take a close look at the Höfler cylindrical gear machines of the system provider Klingelnberg. At the in-house show on November 9 and 10, the company's latest innovation, direct networking of a Höfler cylindrical gear machine with a Klingelnberg precision measuring center, was the center of focus.
Live demonstrations and insight into production processes: During the two-day in-house show on November 9 and 10 at the Ettlingen Oberweier (Germany) works, the machine manufacturer Klingelnberg presented its wide range of Höfler cylindrical gear machines – and therefore cutting-edge technology in the cylindrical gear machining sector. 100 gear experts from Europe, Asia and the USA were invited and took the opportunity to take a look behind the scenes at the works of one of the market leaders in the gear industry and also talk shop with the Klingelnberg specialists who also attended. A total of 13 exhibition areas at the Ettlingen works were dedicated to showcasing the innovative and versatile solutions as well as the very latest technological processes.
Closed loop for cylindrical gears in line with Industry 4.0
The latest development from the system provider enables direct networking of a closed loop cylindrical gear machine with a measuring device. This technology was previously only possible with bevel gear machines. "By transferring the established Klingelnberg closed loop concept for cylindrical gears, we link the machining centers with the measuring machine and are therefore driving digitization of gear manufacturing firmly forward," explains Dr. Christof Gorgels, Head of the Precision Measuring Center product line. "The closed loop concept for cylindrical gears is based on an open interface and automates machine correction," he continues.
To demonstrate how the latest Industry 4.0 compliant development can be used for practical production, a VIPER 500 cylindrical gear grinding machine was networked with the P 40 measuring machine at the works. "We have been waiting for this interface!" comments a delighted Willi Humbel, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Humbel Zahnräder AG. "This development will help us tremendously to simplify production of our toothed gears and improve the quality of our components at the same time."
Central focus on digitizing production
Digitization in production was the main topic at the two-day event. Höfler cylindrical gear grinding machines are not only hallmarked by reliable and highly-developed hardware, but the company's own software also guarantees convenient machining and ensures maximum efficiency in daily use.
In addition, attendees were able to obtain information about the wide range of services of the machine construction company. With the "Höfler Service Gate" remote maintenance concept, a global communication network will be established in the future from the Ettlingen Oberweier site. At the beginning of the technology show, visitors already marveled at the sight of a customized eight meter high Höfler HF 6000 cylindrical gear cutting machine at the plant entrance. This cylindrical gear cutting machine for workpieces with a diameter of up to six meters is nothing less than the largest cutting machine in the world with an automated deburring and chamfering unit.
