Industry 4.0 and e-mobility represent particular challenges for the tool sector: connected, fully-automatic manufacturing processes coupled with growing demands on production and quality require increasingly more efficient and more innovative tool solutions which are adapted individually to machining tasks. With its teams of experts, LMT Tools avails of extensive development and application expertise and in its capacity as a technology leader, supplies solutions for digital transformation to a smart factory and e-mobility.
As an interface between the machine and the workpiece, precision tools hold a key function in the production process. Accordingly, smart tool systems, which are connected to machines and capable of transmitting and receiving process data play a decisive role in the age of Industry 4.0: they open up new possibilities for process monitoring and analysis, thereby offering a huge potential for improving efficiency and process reliability.
Process reliability 4.0
Smart tool systems communicate with external devices such as machine controls, mobile devices or measurement systems. They collect, save and analyse data on the process and its status as well as supplying the machine operator and production controls with important information for further actions. Users can benefit from specific advantages as a result: continuous monitoring and analysis makes it possible to detect wear at an early stage, thereby guaranteeing a high degree of component quality with minimum reject rates. This reduces the costs per unit and increases productivity.
Digital connection for maximum precision
The advantages of smart tool systems become apparent in the manufacture of drill holes with close tolerances. One feature of fine boring tools from LMT Tools is their fully-automated cutting elements which are adjusted using electronic components. As a result, the edges can be set digitally so that they are absolutely precise and – if so desired – any wear arising can be compensated fully automatically. Apart from smart fine boring tools, LMT Tools also develops smart rolling systems for manufacturing external threads. EVOline tangential rolling heads feature a sensor for force measurement. When the tool retracts, the standard curve is measured and saved on a chip as a benchmark for the subsequent rolling processes. In the machining process the data saved – which can be transmitted digitally to external devices – deliver key information for optimising the rolling process.
Full speed ahead
The requirements on precision tools are being developed by the growing significance of e-mobility. As a renowned and long-term partner to the automotive industry, LMT Tools supports technological development of the sector in the form of engineering know-how, comprehensive machining strategies, and efficient tool systems. The focus is on high-performance tools which are exactly aligned to the customer’s specific electric engine components and production requirements. In
this process, complex geometries accompanied by weight reduction and maximum demands on precision and surface quality make machining tasks even more sophisticated. Accordingly, efficiency, running smoothness and battery range on the part of the electric engine significantly depend on the quality and dimensional accuracy of the manufacturing processes.
High degree of development competence for custom-fit tool solutions
Whether boring, milling, threading, rolling, reaming or gear cutting: with its extensive range of tools, LMT Tools covers the entire range – from roughing applications and processes to finishing. The geometries, cutting materials and coatings developed for the respective application guarantee maximum performance and stable processes for machining motor components and housings made from aluminum, e.g. the thin-walled, ultra-complex stator housing. Among others, this involves the use of high-performance PCD tools, individually-designed reamers and reliable thread formers.
Whether Industry 4.0 or e-mobility: with their high degree of innovative strength and particular tool competence, the specialists at LMT Tools are eminently equipped for the technical production challenges and increasing requirements of the future.
