BIG KAISER digital boring head adds wireless connectivity to improve ease of use

BIG KAISERl shows second generation of digital boring heads with wireless connectivity

The new boring head, called EWD EVO, connects to BIG KAISER’s new user-friendly smartphone and tablet app, making it easier to monitor and configure the head while assembling and running boring tools. As well as being able to read changes in cutting diameter change, the app will help operators determine optimal cutting parameters from their tool assemblies. The app will also log historical adjustments for all tools ever synced with it, providing essential information for companies adopting smart manufacturing.

“The new EWD EVO makes our digital boring heads even easier to use, helping users to achieve the highest levels of performance,” says Peter Elmer, CEO at BIG KAISER. “Our in-house expertise in electronic engineering positions BIG KAISER perfectly to take the lead in digital developments for machine tooling in the 21st century.”

The electronic circuity in the boring head is based around an AMR magnetic sensor to accurately record the head’s movement and position. Calibration and software updates can be done in the tool itself at the customer site, saving time because there is no need to bring the device to BIG KAISER.

A low-energy wireless connectivity controller manages the connection to the BIG KAISER app. Battery life of the new EWD EVO is 6,000 charge/discharge cycles. This is even longer than the 4,000 cycles achieved by previous versions of EWD, which had no wireless connectivity. EWD EVO uses standard off-the-shelf 3.3V button batteries.

The wireless signal is transmitted and received by an RF antenna developed in-house by BIG KAISER. To ensure a good signal is received at distances of up to 5 meters, the antenna radiates through the display – an innovation for which BIG KAISER has applied for a patent.

To ensure extreme reliability in harsh production environments, BIG KAISER uses the latest piezo push button technology, and the new boring heads will be sealed according to protection classification IP69K. BIG KAISER has also applied for a second patent for the technology it developed for EWD EVO, for the way the button is positioned on top of the battery. This avoids the need for cabling, and makes it easier for the operator to change the battery without requiring access to the back of the tool.

To help reduce the investment required by existing customers, all accessories such as boring bars and insert holders built for previous BIG KAISER boring heads will be fully compatible with the new EWD EVO.

Production of EWD EVO is planned for early 2017.