Focus on automation and digitization of business processes

Much has changed since Hermle began developing automation solutions for its 5-axis machining centers. For example, the combination of automation and digitization is taking an increasingly prominent place. However, the manufacturer keeps in mind the customers at all times, who come with the most diverse questions. Just in the growth sectors with far-reaching automation, Hermle is most often confronted with Industrie 4.0, Smart Factory and the digitization of products. With 'Digital Production', 'Digital Service' and 'Digital Operation', the company offers a whole host of solutions, which also fit together seamlessly.

"Everything from one source" - the manufacturer from Gosheim, Germany, offers with the Performance-Line and High-Performance-Line a full range of 5-axis machining centers and can combine them with a variety of automation solutions and building blocks to digitize processes. The customer is always at the center of this. Combining the machines with automation allows customers to increase productivity without the need for more personnel. This is important, in a society where it is not easy to find specialized workers. 

Hermle's automation solutions range from easy-to-operate pallet changers and handling systems for pallet provisioning to robotic systems and, increasingly, total solutions, where a single robot controls several 5-axis machining centers. 

Running unmanned

When Hermle introduced pallet changers, their main aim was to make the machines and the production process in general as flexible as possible. To optimize productivity, the manufacturer also launched robot systems, which - in contrast to pallet changers - can be combined with almost all machines in the Hermle range. Because a robot can be used to handle components, tools as well as pallets, the machines can run unmanned. 

Hermle today offers a robotic system for every application, from the RS 05-2 for small pallets and components to the RS 3 system for workpieces up to 420 kg. This does not mean that pallet changers are superfluous today, because especially for handling long and heavy workpieces there is still no alternative available. While fast and flexible robots can lift pieces up to 420 kg, the PW 3000 pallet changer, developed for the Hermle C 52 U and C 62 U series, can be used for workpieces up to 3 tons. 

Intuitive operation

Hermle engineers went a step further by developing solutions that could be combined with different machines. Space for even more pallets and intuitive operation were other specifications, AND the machining center had to remain accessible so that operators could also operate it manually, for example, for machining heavy pieces. After all, the maximum weight of a workpiece is determined by the automation system, not the machine. 

In 2017, Hermle presented the HS flex system, compatible with six machine types and equipped with one or two storage modules for up to 40 pallets. Three years later, that range was expanded to include the HS flex heavy, for handling workpieces up to 1200 kg, compatible with four machines in the range, including, for the first time, the C 650.

Proprietary software

There is more, however, as Hermle is also investing heavily in the development of solutions to digitize processes. For example, with the Hermle Automation-Control-System (HACS), the manufacturer developed its own automation software, which allows intuitive operation and control. This software calculates run times and tool usage in advance and provides an overview of system, work plans, pallets, jobs, tools and more. 

This is just one example, because within the so-called digital building blocks 'Digital Production', Digital Service' and 'Digital Operation', the company offers a lot of solutions, which are also seamlessly interlinked. 'Machine tuning' with dynamic adjustment of control parameters and intelligent machining setups are part of the 'Digital Operation' building block, while tool management systems (HTMC/HOTS), information management systems (HIMS) and automation control systems (HACS) are available under the heading 'Digital Production'. The digital building block 'Digital Service' stands for diagnosis and monitoring systems as well as remote maintenance.