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The Challenge: Direct Data Exchange Between Measur-
ing Device and Machine
Direct data exchange with machines was the top priority
in selecting presetting and measuring machines. Pro
totype construction uses about 450 mounted standard
tools and almost 1,000 single components. These are
available on 220 magazine locations on 5 milling ma
chines and a turning/milling center. ZOLLER »venturion«
presetting and measuring machine communicates with
the machines via Siemens MMT, transferring measure
ment and specification data for the tools through post
processors. Magazine location assignment is called up
at the same time and provided to the CAM programming.
The Goal: All Information in a Single Central Database
Before the expansion of themillingmachine fleet, no tool
planning and administration tools were used in test part
service at STIHL. The tools used were painstakingly con
structed in the CAM system for specific applications;
manufacturing equipment was neither documented nor
inventoried; there was no administration for storage
locations, andmagazine location assignments were vis
ible only to machine operators. All process knowledge,
from tool-specific technology data to component-
related information, was stored on a local basis by the
employee involved.
With the introduction of the new milling machine fleet,
the goal was to link all equipment and combine all infor
mation relevant to manufacturing in a central database:
Single components, complete tools, technology data,
fixtures and clamping devices, machines, orders, and
capacity planning.
F I ELD REPORT
Z.magazine 2017
44