»mμFocus«

WEMA Zerspanungswerkzeuge GmbH in Pfaffenhofen benefits from ZOLLER’s proven and innovative optical measuring technology. Special tools with cutting geometries specifically adjusted to materials, in particular, require comprehensive quality assurance. Florian Prem is convinced of this.

He is a third-generation managing director and is responsible for technical development and process control at WEMA Zerspanungswerkzeuge GmbH in Pfaffenhofen, Bavaria. As Florian Prem emphasizes, it is absolutely essential—especially for special tools—to fully measure and perform inspection on all ground cutting edge geometries. “This is the only way we can ensure that the designed tools, with their specialized cutting edges, meet the requirements placed on them. Using the measurement methods that have been standard for many years, we can enter and measure the essential shapes and dimensions of the tool cutting edges on drills and milling tools.”

To this end, WEMA uses, for example, a »»pomBasic«« inspection unit from ZOLLER. This unit inspects and measures the cutting edges of ground tools using the reflected light method. To verify the contours and dimensions, the operator compares the geometries of the tool cutting edges on the large screen with an on-screen contour that matches the CAD design exactly and measures them using an on-screen ruler. This allows them to quickly and reliably detect whether the ground milling cutters and drills correspond to the specifications.

To ensure that skilled workers use only precisely profiled grinding wheel sets right from the grinding stage, WEMA uses ZOLLER’s »smartCheck« measuring machine, which has proven itself over many years. This universal measuring machine uses a projection to display the contours of the dressed grinding wheels. These can then be measured and documented using the magnified representation on the color screen.

However, according to Florian Prem, the tried-and-true measuring methods used to date must be supplemented. “Our clients are increasingly requiring that we perform rounding on the ground drills and milling cutters according to specific, customer-defined specifications. Of course, we must document that we meet these specifications. This is only possible with innovative technologies. That’s why we invested in the »mμFocus« measuring machine from ZOLLER.” Florian Prem can provide a comprehensive rationale for his decision in favor of ZOLLER technology: “Comparisons of different measuring machines and methods have clearly demonstrated ZOLLER’s outstanding expertise.

Measuring the cutting edges is fast, simple, and reliable. At our company, even trainees can already work with the »mμFocus« measuring machine.” At WEMA, Thomas Gruber primarily uses the measuring machine to verify and document cutting edge fillets. He completed his apprenticeship just a few months ago and now works in the post-processing department for cutting tools. He primarily rounds high-performance drill bits according to individual specifications using different rounding profiles.

In doing so, he benefits greatly from the advantages of the ZOLLER »mμFocus« measuring machine. “The operation is extremely simple. Above all, the measuring machine requires only minimal setup time. I can quickly and easily position the tools to be measured and focus on the cutting edge to be measured.” The magnified representation of the cutting edges on the screen is particularly helpful in this regard. The fully automatic measurement sequence takes only about one minute. “Afterward, just a few clicks on the touchscreen and with the mouse are all it takes to view, analyze, and document the measurement results,” explains Thomas Gruber.

These short measurement cycles ensure that he can fully measure and document every tool he grounds. For a detailed analysis of the cutting edge fillet, the measuring machine provides a freely selectable number of cross sections across the measuring range. By comparing the results to a circle displayed on the color screen, the rounding can be measured and verified.

As Florian Prem explains, radii between 10 and 20 μm are usually required. ZOLLER’s »mμFocus« measuring machine is capable of reliably measuring radii on cutting edges with a repeatability of less than 1 μm. Regarding the advantages of fast and simple measurements with the »mμFocus«, Florian Prem adds: “We also have to meet increasingly stringent requirements in quality assurance. Whereas it used to be common practice—and sufficient—to statistically measure about every tenth or even twentieth tool, many manufacturing companies now require that we measure and record every single tool without exception. Naturally, the simple, fast, and reliable measurements on the »mμFocus« measuring machine from ZOLLER are a great help to us.”

Florian Prem highlights another outstanding advantage: the properties and functions of ZOLLER’s measuring machines are tailored to users’ requirements. His father, Max Prem, owner and co-managing director of WEMA Zerspanungswerkzeuge GmbH, adds: “We’ve had excellent experiences with specialized ZOLLER measuring machines for many years now. They are ideally suited for use in manufacturing.”

The operation is extremely simple. With just a few taps on the touchscreen and clicks of the mouse, you can view, analyze, and document the measurement results.

Florian Prem Managing Director of WEMA Cutting Tools GmbH

They correspond to the expectations of our technical staff and integrate seamlessly into daily workflows. In addition, we enjoy a cooperative working relationship with this medium-sized manufacturer. At ZOLLER, our requests and suggestions are always welcomed. “The specialists in Pleidelsheim are constantly refining their measuring technology in accordance with practical needs and requirements.” As a result, ZOLLER’s measuring technology solutions also offer WEMA a number of customized, additional functions and options for documenting measurement results, all integrated directly into their measuring machines and software.

As Florian Prem confirms, the experts at ZOLLER consistently impress with their high level of expertise and qualifications. “When it comes to innovative, practice-oriented measuring technology for tool grinders and manufacturers, we have definitely selected the right partner in ZOLLER,” Florian and Max Prem agree.