Ceratizit in the field of the construction of die tools
July 24, 2009
Manufacture of taps in JRG requires a range of special cutting tools and Moreover, molds for the internal workshop of Foundry as well as fixation devices made to measure, able to block in an optimal way the piece at the correct position during machining. "For various reasons, decided to develop and produce our own these special tools," explains Stefan Ochsner, head of the Department construction of moulds and dies in JRG. "The decisive factors are the time and flexibility." Here we have the staff required to be able quickly to the development and production of special tools. Our collaborators know materials machined, machines and the final product. We can then proceed to testing and the distances are short. We also are in conditions ensuring the maintenance of the tools within our company and immediately take measures appropriate in the case of manufacturing problems", he adds Ochsner. JRG, a team of 40 professional technicians is responsible for the rapid production and optimization tools. These tools are perfectly suited to the subject devices, products and product lines. In total, JRG has approximately 400 employees, the construction of molds & dies Department then plays a key role.
Optimization of the use of the tools and their variety
In order to be at the height of the internal demands ever increasing, the construction of moulds and dies of JRG Department is permanently in search of possibilities for optimization. "Thanks to our efforts, we now occupy certain position, but the pressure continues to grow." "Given this situation, there is to react in order to maintain our effectiveness," says Ochsner. "For this reason, we analyze the machining processes together with Ceratizit technicians".
Robert Denny is vendor and technical adviser in Utilis, Swiss distribution partner of Ceratizit, which is in charge of the JRG society since 1979. Denny knows that the orders in the construction of tooling are characterized by small lots and short cycle times. In regards to the tools themselves, achievable gains are minimal. The cutting parameters and the useful life is however remain key factors. "The greatest potential for optimization regarding the economic use of the tools and the large number of different tools," says Denny. "Before we had a vast range of tools." This meant a considerable waste of time. We had to frequently change the tools, what meant machine downtime. Because of the large number of bodies of strawberries and chips, we got not elaborate process leaves on a regular basis. "In addition, orders passed to different providers were quite complex and we cost much energy," adds Ochsner.
The product of the year from Ceratizit, successfully introduced in JRG
After having analyzed the situation of JRG, Ceratizit developed a new concept of tools. The solution is called MaxiMill 211. Ochsner explains: "the concept of milling MaxiMill 211 satisfies all our wishes." "It is precisely what needed us: a versatile soft cutting tool". Strawberries are used in JRG mainly for roughing and the peripheral milling. Even in old machine tool or even in conventional machines, a significant volume of chips can be obtained with MaxiMill 211. Ochsner continues: "With ultra-precise manufacturing these strawberries and these plates, is possible a change fast chips without having to adjust the tool, again meaning a gain of additional time." Now, we also produce the leaves of process and we can share and exchange our experiences within the team. The method of trial and error belongs definitely to the past. This optimization of large-scale was for me the proof that a good tool on its own is not enough; also it should be applied correctly. "An effective technical assistance is then essential."
