Concept
From the early days of mass production for metal cutting workpieces until now there were a lot of improvements in production technology to maximize profitability. New work materials and optimized tool technology led to a dramatic reduction of cutting times over the years.
There was also a significant reduction of non-productive idle times in recent years due to improved machine tool technologies, but it didn´t keep pace at all with reduction of productive times. Especially for mass production parts which require a lot of different tools with short cutting times, such as for drilling or threading, this means a huge leak of total productivity.
This was a good reason for ELHA to work hard on a solution. As a result ELHA developed and established a brilliant machining concept which has sustainably revolutionized the metal cutting industry, especially for mass production applications.
Conventional machining
on a machining center
- Tool spindle changes tools for each different process
- Tool spindle moves from/toward the workpiece
Ideal machining concept for:
- Small and mid lot sizes
- High number of different workpieces and work setup
Paradigm change
with a FM production module
- All required process tools are arranged inside the machining area at a fixed position
- Each tool has it´s own specific, optimized spindle size and drive by using multi spindle heads or turrets
- The worktable with clamped workpiece(s) moves from tool to tool; shortest chip-to-chip times
- No tool change within the process; no inaccuracy due to tool change
- Single/multiple part clamping & single/multiple spindle machining possible (depending on application)
Ideal machining concept for:
- Mass production of more than 100k of same or similar workpieces per year
- Small & midsize workpieces
- Limited quantity of various workpiece types
- Moderate number of different tools and clampings
- Optimal for light metals, steel, forging and casting materials