»mμFocus«

»mμFocus« – Measurement with the Highest Precision

WEMA Zerspanungswerkzeuge GmbH in Pfaffenhofen benefits from proven and innovative optical measurement technology from ZOLLER. Special tools with cutting geometries specifically adapted 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-purpose tools—to fully measure and inspect all ground cutting edge geometries. “This is the only way we can ensure that the designed tools, with their special cutting edges, also meet the requirements placed on them. Using the measurement methods that have been standard for many years, we can adequately capture and measure the essential shapes and dimensions of tool cutting edges on drills and milling tools.”

For this purpose, WEMA uses, for example, a »pomBasic« inspection system from ZOLLER. The cutting edges of ground tools are inspected and measured 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 overlaid contour that matches the CAD design exactly and measures them using an on-screen ruler. This allows the operator to quickly and reliably determine whether the ground milling and drilling tools meet the specifications.

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

However, according to Florian Prem, the proven and previously standard measuring methods must absolutely be supplemented. “Increasingly, our clients are demanding that we round off the cutting edges of the ground drills and milling cutters according to individually defined specifications. Of course, we must document that we meet these specifications. This is only possible with innovative technologies. That is why we invested in the »mμFocus« measuring device from ZOLLER.” Florian Prem can fully justify his decision in favor of ZOLLER technology: “Comparisons of different measuring devices and methods have clearly demonstrated ZOLLER’s outstanding expertise.

Measuring the cutting edges is fast, easy, and reliable. At our company, even trainees can already work with the »mμFocus« measuring device.” At WEMA, Thomas Gruber is the primary user of the measuring device, using it to verify and document cutting edge radii. 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 drills according to individual specifications using a wide variety of radii.

In doing so, he fully benefits from the advantages of the »mμFocus« measuring system from ZOLLER. “Operation is extremely simple. Above all, the measuring system requires only minimal setup effort. I can quickly and easily position the tools to be measured and focus on the cutting edge to be measured.” The magnified display of the cutting edges on the screen is particularly helpful in this regard. The fully automatic measurement process takes only about a minute. “Afterward, just a few clicks on the touchscreen and with the mouse are enough 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 grinds. For a detailed analysis of the cutting edge rounding, the measuring device provides a freely selectable number of cross-sections across the measurement range. By comparing the rounding with 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 typically required. ZOLLER’s »mμFocus« measuring system is capable of reliably measuring radii on cutting edges with a repeatability of less than 1 μm. Regarding the advantages of fast and easy measurements on the »mμFocus« system, Florian Prem adds: “We also face increasingly stringent requirements in quality assurance. Whereas it used to be common and sufficient to statistically measure roughly every tenth or even twentieth tool, numerous manufacturing companies now require that we measure and document every single tool without exception. Naturally, the simple, fast, and reliable measurement capabilities of ZOLLER’s »mμFocus« come in very handy for us.”

Florian Prem highlights another outstanding advantage: the features and functions of ZOLLER’s measuring instruments are tailored to user requirements. His father, Max Prem, owner and co-managing director of WEMA Zerspanungswerkzeuge GmbH, comments: “We have had excellent experience with ZOLLER measuring instruments in particular for many years. They are ideally suited for use in manufacturing.”

It is extremely easy to use. 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 meet the expectations of our technical staff and integrate seamlessly into daily workflows. Furthermore, we enjoy a collaborative relationship with this manufacturer, which caters to the needs of small and medium-sized businesses. At ZOLLER, our requests and suggestions are always welcomed. The specialists in Pleidelsheim are constantly refining their measurement technology to meet practical needs and requirements.” As a result, ZOLLER’s metrology solutions also offer WEMA several customized, additional functions and options for documenting measurement results, integrated directly into their measuring devices 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 and practical measurement technology for tool grinders and manufacturers, we have definitely chosen the right partner in ZOLLER,” Florian and Max Prem agree.