A complete package of application software and hardware from a single source creates the ideal forming tool. Visitors at IMTS 2022 in Chicago can see the level of performance that becomes possible when both software and hardware come from one supplier. The capability of producing forming tools is demonstrated on the automated all rounder Multigrind® CU machine.

Forming tools: Strong future prospects with Haas Multigrind® technology

Forming tools are expensive individual components, often made from carbide and tool steel. Carbide grinding is increasingly the preferred approach because customer requirements regarding complexity, dimensional accuracy and reproducibility continue to rise. Production also needs to become more economical.

During the forming process, a tool is pressed with great force into the base material until the desired profile is achieved. Forming tools are exposed to strong dynamic loads and heavy wear at critical points. If wear can be significantly reduced and service life increased, tooling costs decrease accordingly.

The Multigrind® CU: A grinding machine that withstands demanding applications.

The Multigrind® CU is designed and built with the highest level of rigidity, stability and accuracy, and this is the perfect platform for machining of precision forming tools. All machine axes are aligned symmetrically and their supports are partially cast into the mineral composite machine base. Overhangs of force, vibrations and thermal expansion, which can have a negative impact on the grinding process, are reduced to a minimum. This is the perfect basis for high cutting performance.

Everything is possible: producing contours, grinding squares, interpolating run-out, grinding alignment surfaces, tip radius and chamfers - even complex forming tools can be machined in just one clamping with the well-known Haas Multigrind® precision.

Multigrind® Styx: A visualization tool for precise process control.

Multigrind® Styx displays the final grinding result with pixel accuracy. All grinding processes and workpiece data are shown clearly, allowing the operator to identify and correct errors before machining begins.
Styx is a cloud based component and complements the proven Multigrind® Horizon user interface.

More performance and economic efficiency before grinding begins.

Multigrind® Horizon is the most important component of the grinding machine. The software supports the operator throughout the process and transforms the grinding machine into an individual specialist.

Forming tool manufacturers benefit from flexibility, precision and virtually unlimited configuration options. Different forming tools such as stamps can be processed in mixed order within one job. Orders can be imported and programmed via the web shop following Industry 4.0 standards.

With parameterization and intelligent configuration, the exact forming tool required at the moment can be produced faster and more precisely. The results remain within tolerance even when conditions change, for example due to temperature fluctuations. The continuous dialogue between software and machine ensures deviations in the abrasive are corrected in time. The closed loop process enables maximum precision in series production down to batch size 1.

Measurement process: Precision through automated compensation.

Outstanding grinding performance for forming tools requires advanced measurement technology. Micron level accuracy is only possible when every process step is coordinated.

High precision measurement technology and software form a closed loop. A sensitive measuring probe performs contact based measurement on the reference surface of the workpiece. The measuring machine transfers real data and results to the Multigrind® Horizon software, which processes them rapidly.
The continuous compensation measurements are used for automated fine corrections of the grinding path. Even minimal deviations from target values are detected and compensated with micron precision. Quality remains stable and error free from the first to the hundredth workpiece.

Multigrind® Multimation: When turnkey grinding is no longer enough.

Growing demands in grinding affect not only complete machining but also upstream and downstream processes. Software becomes the key factor.

Multigrind® Multimation will take over control of production workflows. It supports both manual and automatic workflows, custom configured for each customer. This happens without any loss of process time. The ERP interface is also customized and Multimation operates within the company network.

Setup processes become significantly simpler. The entire manufacturing process can be visualized and controlled. Components such as manual scanning, automation systems, cleaning units or labeling machines can be added or removed digitally.
In case of malfunctions, individual components can be bypassed and reactivated after the issue is resolved. Adjustments to job or order lists become standard practice and reduce downtime.

We are looking forward to your visit at IMTS.
You will find us in the North Building Level 3 at booth 237505.