ZOLLER, well known as a leading manufacturer of tool presetting and measuring devices, has developed more and more as a system provider over the past several decades. In addition to its TMS Tool Management Solutions software for efficient tool data management, ZOLLER also offers a broad spectrum of tool storage cabinets and automation solutions today to equip its customers’ entire tool room.
Data Consistency – From Order Receipt to Delivery
All areas of the product spectrum work with software developed by ZOLLER, based on the “z.One” central tool database. All actual and target tool data is always available throughout the entire production process. To guarantee data consistency even beyond the “ZOLLER system,” the company also offers a large number of options for connecting to third-party systems, such as CAM, ERP, production management systems and processing centers as well as grinding machines. Attendees at the AMB can experience the entire process, from work preparations to delivery, live on site.
New Data Transmission Option to Heidenhain Controls
ZOLLER is exhibiting a whole new option for securely and quickly transmitting actual tool data from the presetting and measuring machine to the CNC machine at this year’s AMB: the tool is clearly identified on the presetting and measuring machine using a data matrix code on the tool holder, and actual tool data is saved in the central z.One tool database. When the tool is identified once again by the CNC machine, the Heidenhain control automatically retrieves data from the database. The advantage: an unlimited quantity of data can be transmitted. Even large quantities of data, such as those necessary to prevent collisions, can be obtained by the Heidenhain control and then processed using an automated procedure.
“A Clear Trend – Everything From a Single Source”
“One clear trend shaping the industry is the concept of “everything from a single source – one contact for tool handling.” In addition, specifically in the area of tool storage, a large amount of value is placed on having a transparent representation of cabinet contents in the software” says Andreas Kratzer, head of TMS Tool Management Solutions at ZOLLER. Every tool must be recorded and must be able to be located in production. TMS Tool Management Solutions software and Smart Cabinets make this possible. From CAD/CAM to tool presetting and from the warehouse to the machine – users work with the same tool data at every step of production, and ZOLLER products are linked together on the shop floor level through internal interfaces and the central ZOLLER z.One tool database. In addition to Smart Cabinets and the »toolStation« workbench, ZOLLER is also presenting its new »zTower« assembly tower at the 2018 AMB for the first time. It is shaped like a column and offers up to eight assembly stations. A »toolOrganizer« tool cabinet can be placed under the mounting plate to keep access routes to required single components and accessories as short as possible.
Premiere: Your New Colleague in the Tool Room
ZOLLER continues to expand its product spectrum in the automation area. Up to now, ZOLLER has offered the automation solutions »roboSet« for fully-automated tool measurement and delivery and »roboSet 2« for 24/7 tool checks. ZOLLER is now presenting a new collaborative robot at the 2018 AMB as a supporting automation solution in the tool room. This robot processes all outstanding tool delivery orders through a fully automated procedure. It independently opens the ZOLLER »keeper« tool cabinet and starts to remove the relevant complete tool and place it in the presetting and measuring machine. After the measurement, the robot removes the complete tool and places it in the frame base – safely and reliably. Employees are informed by a visual signal when the order is complete and the frame base can be exchanged.
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