#Trade Shows & Events
KELCH at the AMB 2022: Efficient automation with robotics, software and storage system
Total modular concept with MySolutions and Bachmann Engineering.
The system manufacturer KELCH GmbH will be showcasing the next Industry 4.0-compliant development stage at this year's AMB – International Exhibition for Metalworking 2022 – held from 13 to 17 September in Stuttgart: an efficient automation concept for machining companies. The total modular concept is a joint offering with Bachmann Engineering AG, experts in turnkey robotic cells and automation solutions, and MySolutions AG, the all-in-one provider for smart factory automation. Live presentations will be held on the companies' joint stand F70 in Hall 1 showing the entire tool cycle with the KELCH KENOVA set line V3 and V9 tool presetters and robotic assistance in a modern smart factory. Collaboratively, the partners will be supplying complete solutions worldwide to fully integrate third-party systems on a hardware and software level.
Efficient automation, flexibly tailored to customers' needs, is the aim of the total concept being presented at the AMB. The concept can also be applied to existing machines and, being modular, can be introduced into customers' companies in small steps, depending on their budget and situation. “KELCH Industrial Line and Premium Line tool presetters can be fully integrated into the hardware and software of automation processes. We will be showcasing this with the example of a V3 and a V9-S model at the trade fair,” reports Viktor Grauer, Deputy Managing Director and Head of Product and Innovation Management at KELCH. Automation options range from tool cleaning, shrinking, assembly to specification dimensions, balancing and measuring to storage. The available safety features provide for continuous monitoring of all processes: from automatic detection of the spindle insert during automatic change, control of all critical statuses and media (air, electricity, temperature etc.) to remote monitoring by IoT. Extended automation is provided for by the integration of solutions supplied by the cooperation partners MySolutions and Bachmann Engineering, who along with KELCH will have their own consultants on hand at the AMB.
Optimised use of resources
“As MySolutions AG has been the exclusive sales partner for KELCH products in Switzerland since 2020, we will be showcasing our seamless integration with KELCH KENOVA tool presetters at the AMB – including our 2D.ID identification solution. Our innovative ”THE BOX" storage system can also be integrated, along with our mobile and stationary MyXPert software products," explains Paul Gossens, Managing Director of MySolutions AG. Visitors to the AMB will also learn how the MyXPert Production Manager can assist work scheduling personnel to technically and visually merge all administrative data and information (including orders/workflows, resources, NC programs, tool correction data, tools, test and measuring equipment). This also applies to data from existing third-party systems, such as ERP/PPS, MES, PLM etc.
In conjunction with the MyXPert Terminal, a versatile and modular shop floor management system, product personnel will receive all production-relevant information on all operating resources (products, tools, equipment, measuring/test equipment etc.) on a central user interface directly at the machine. Seamless integration to external systems (such as CNC machines, manual and automated storage systems etc.) is possible using the MyXPert Framework, regardless of whether data and information is merely to be visualised or reported directly back to external third-party systems. The result: optimised use of all resources in the production process, including tool set-up and tool preparation. The modular MySolutions automated warehouse management concept provides a valuable addition to automated production: the innovative vertical storage system, known as THE BOX, is designed for the weight-independent storage of small and mid-sized products, and optimises the use of floor space in the storage area. The concept can be extended vertically and horizontally at any time through horizontally and vertically stackable elements. Unlike conventional cabinet and drawer systems, THE BOX enables products to be removed at an ergonomic height throughout.
Mobile platform: Bachmann Movable Base with collaborative robot
Bachmann Engineering AG, another KELCH cooperation partner, will be presenting an additional automation system on the KELCH stand at the AMB, which is specifically designed for mid-sized to larger companies with their own in-house CNC machining capability. This base of this is formed by the Bachmann Movable Base BMB, a mobile platform specifically for collaborative robots, which are flexibly equipped and can be moved to wherever they are needed. Each platform is equipped with a UR10e robot including gripper for tool holders positioned directly downstream of the KENOVA set line V3 or V9 tool presetter to equip and change tools on the KELCH tool presetters. Live presentations on the stand will be demonstrating its use in tool measurement and tool presetting together with the automated KELCH tool presetters. The system can also be used in smaller production units, as the Bachmann Moving Device with a footprint of less then 0.5 m2 can be simply and quickly assigned to any production and assembly process. It includes interfaces to UR3/UR5 and UR10 robots, with other robots also being possible as required. “The Movable Base and corresponding robots open up a wide range of uses to companies. For instance, the automation system might be equipping a CNC machine during the day, and still preparing the tools for the next day in the evening,” underlines Marc Strub, Managing Director of Bachmann Engineering AG.
Automated complete tool measurement
The entire tool presetting process including robots can be controlled from a tablet and with all common operating systems by combining the KENOVA set line V3 CNC and V956-S with the MySolutions MyXPert Tool Manager. The Bachmann Engineering AG UR10e cobot supports the tool measurement process through automatic loading and unloading processes – either controlled by a tablet or by visual detection. The 2D.ID code is scanned and the measuring specification is transmitted to the system. The measuring results achieved are saved and the tracking data is monitored by the MyXPert Tool Manager. “The automated production solutions showcased on the KELCH stand at the AMB make the use of individual hardware and software systems more efficient, but can also help to compensate for personnel shortages,” continues KELCH Manager Viktor Grauer.
