PROCESS INTEGRATION & AUTOMATION: TURN & MILL | WORKPIECE HANDLING Future-oriented focus in production “We implemented our philosophy of inte- grating as many processes as possible and automating spindle production in 2023,” says Dennis Hartmann, looking back on the purchase of a CTX gamma 3000 TC with a MATRIS robot. Following positive experiences with previously installed machine tools from DMG MORI, those responsible in Oelde once again found what they were looking for in the market leader's product range. “The high degree of technology integration and the automation solution from a single source were the deciding factors in the market comparison.” Test runs were also convincing and the proximity to the DMG MORI factory in Bielefeld was a major advantage during the project. There is another point that stands out: from process integration and automa- tion to digitalized processes and sustainable management, GEA is pursuing exactly what DMG MORI is also aiming for with its Machin- ing Transformation (MX) – a future-oriented approach to the entire production process. 6-axis turning-milling, deep hole drilling, grinding and in-process measuring With the automated CTX gamma 3000 TC, GEA has firstly replaced an old machine and secondly made spindle production sig- nificantly more cost-effective. “Previously, machining processes were required on mill- ing machines, turning centers and a cylindri- cal grinding machine. Then there were the idle times in between,” explains Marcel Rich- ter. As machine operators, he and Patrick Wieder are responsible for operating the production cell. Their practical experi- ence was incorporated into the CTX design. The turn-mill center for 6-axis complete machining integrates all the different pro- cesses, including grinding, in one work area. “The result is significantly shorter through- put times. And we can make better use of the other machines at the same time,” says a satisfied Patrick Wieder. The in-pro- cess measurement also makes life easier for quality control. Deviations are corrected in the program so that the values remain consistent throughout the batch. “We can even determine tool wear automatically using a measuring fixture. If the actual value exceeds the target value, the tool is replaced by a sister tool.” 44 TECHNOLOGY EXCELLENCE Optimum equipment for process reliability and flexible automation The CTX gamma 3000 TC was selected to enable reliable and flexible machining. “The size was necessary because we machine spindles that are up to 1,000 mm long. We need sufficient travel in the X-axis for deep hole drilling,” says Patrick Wieder, explain- ing the choice of model. A powerful coolant pump prevents the accumulation of chips that would interrupt the process. Another special feature is a separate compartment for oversized tools in the right-hand section of the work area. “This allows us to carry out the grinding process with larger wheels, for example, which saves time and reduces tool costs,” explains Marcel Richter. The biggest advantage is, of course, the fully automated production of entire batches. The MATRIS system was designed to be loaded via four pallets. The robot takes the raw parts and aligns them so that it can clamp them cor- rectly in the chuck and steady rest. The fin- ished parts are then placed back on the pallet. The close cooperation with DMG MORI “A split screen shows the executed operations on the left and the corresponding G-code on the right, while a live view of the operations being performed at the main or counter spin- dles further enhances the understanding of the programs.” Solution-oriented collaboration throughout the entire project Process optimization in Oelde is a continuous process that will also be the central issue for future new acquisitions in the factory. “Whether as a replacement for old machines or as part of technology integration – our investments in production are always driven by innovation,” says Dennis Hartmann, ex- plaining the motivation behind new acqui- sitions. “A solution-oriented partner like DMG MORI is a great support, especially for large projects that can extend over a period of up to two years, as in the case of the CTX gamma 3000 TC.” « SIMPLE WORK- SHOP-ORIENTED PROGRAMMING WITH OP WORKBENCH was also evident where programming is concerned. With the installation of the CTX gamma 3000 TC, GEA was also a pilot cus- tomer at the Oelde site as part of the devel- opment of OP Workbench. “The software significantly simplifies the work involved in workshop-oriented programming,” says Marcel Richter, assessing the added value in terms of time. “OP Workbench uses master programs to which we add set-up parameters such as the length of the chuck. Machining sequences are placed in the right place in the program using drag & drop.” The resulting operation sequence is sent to the NC, where the user enters the G-codes to produce the workpiece. Patrick Wieder also sees an advantage in the display: GEA WESTFALIA SEPARATOR FACTS + Since 1893 the leading producer centrifugal separators + Centrifuges for several industries, whether food, beverages, pharmaceuticals and vaccines, chemical and marine products or clean water + With more than 18,000 employees, GEA Westfalia Separator is part of the international GEA Group GEA Westfalia Separator Group GmbH Werner-Habig-Straße 1 59302 Oelde, Germany www.gea.com/separation