Automation to perfection

'Everything from one source' - it is still the motto of Maschinenfabrik Berthold Hermle AG and that will once again be clear at the EMO in Hanover. On Booth C30 in Hall 12, the machine builder will show three automation systems in a complete solution and a machining center in a 'Mill/Turn' version on an area of 560 m². All machines will highlight the technological advantages of HERMLE products through interesting machining processes. Visitors can ask the German machine manufacturer's specialists about their specific applications.

Machine tools

Under the motto "better milling," Maschinenfabrik Berthold Hermle AG has been offering high-quality machining centers with high precision and a long service life for use in a wide variety of industries for decades. The machine builder has built up a full portfolio of machining centers. The Performance-Line includes three models: entry-level model C 250, type C 400 for machining larger parts, and top model C 650 for maximum loading table capacity and particularly large milling pieces. There is also the High-Performance-Line, with the C 12, C 22, C 32, C 42, C 52 and C 62. 

Automation and digitization

Due to the shortage of technically skilled employees and the increasingly stringent customer demands for quality and speed, the demand for automation in the manufacturing industry has only increased. With subsidiary Hermle Systeemtechnik GmbH, Hermle AG built up its own department with a focus on automation very early on. This turned out to be the right forward-looking decision, which is more than paying off today. The share of these automation solutions has meanwhile risen above 50%. 

The range includes a variety of products. These include the various robot systems - from the RS 05-2 for small pallets and components to the RS 3 system for workpieces up to 420 kg. For heavier workpieces up to 3 tons, one can use the PW 3000 pallet changer. Hermle engineers went one step further by developing solutions that could be combined with different machines. The HS flex system is compatible with six machine types and equipped with one or two storage modules for up to 40 pallets. This range was expanded with the HS flex heavy, for handling workpieces up to 1200 kg.

And there is more, because Hermle is also investing heavily in the development of solutions to digitize processes, divided into the so-called digital building blocks Digital Production, Digital Service and Digital Operation.

EMO dominated by automation and digitization

At the EMO, Hermle's focus is clearly on automation solutions and the digitization of business processes, naturally always in combination with the machining centers from its own portfolio. The company is showing three total solutions for the reliable and efficient production of high-quality workpieces. For example, a C12 machining center is combined with an RS 05-2 robot, which can load workpieces weighing up to 10 kg onto the machine and remove them after machining. Entry-level C 250 is paired with an RS 1 robotic system, which can flexibly grip, clamp and load workpieces up to 15 kg and pallets up to 60 kg. And an HS flex system for handling workpieces up to 450 kg and equipped with two storage modules is connected to a C 32. 

In addition, on a "Mill/Turn" variant of the C 42, a spectacular demonstration with "Powerskiving" for internal and external gearing as well as "Tannenbaumfräsen" for the production of engine parts for the aerospace industry is running. Of course, the sensation of the recent open house cannot be missed, in particular the realization of the VW Bulli/T1 on a type C 12 machining center. By the way, the stands of the partners EMUGE-FRANKEN and HEXAGON will also feature type C 32 machine tools. 

Hermle thus demonstrates various solutions, but also pays attention to technological developments. Indeed, visitors can turn to the experts with their questions about new production techniques, milling and turning operations, digital building blocks and special hardware.