Milwaukee South News

HERMLE AG has been investing in the automation of its machining centers for over 25 years, initially starting with simple pallet changers and advancing to compact handling systems. Robots have played a significant role from the beginning. HERMLE has established itself in the field of automation solutions, offering customers both main components from a single manufacturer and providing a single point of contact for service issues. This approach, described as “Everything from a single source,” is appreciated by customers along with the company's service standards.

The company's handling systems, HS flex and HS flex heavy, are widely used across various companies for automated production. The introduction of the HS flex hybrid marks an advancement in performance for manufacturing components weighing up to 450 kg. This system efficiently transports pallets and vices between setup stations, storage modules, and working areas. Special configurations have been made for storage modules, setup stations, grippers, and adapter pallets specific to the HS flex hybrid. It can be adapted to six different machine models and configured with one or two storage modules.

Modifications to this standard system include table modification with media transfer, lockable setup stations, exchangeable grippers for base plates, small and large vices, and special storage modules for increased storage capacity.

Key advantages of the HS flex hybrid include maximum flexibility through using pallets and vices, up to five times more capacity retention of existing setup strategies, intuitive operation via HACS HERMLE Automation-Control-System (an intelligent order management system), adaptability to various machine models like C 12, C 22, C 32, C 42, C 250, and C 400.

A typical production plant setup involves fitting a machining table with an adapter that raises its structure to create more space during machining when swiveled. A vice holds a workpiece on this adapter—a common arrangement for non-automated machines. The HS flex hybrid allows this setup without needing changes because it handles vices efficiently; owners do not need alterations due to automation complexity concerns being unfounded since proven methods remain unchanged while still clamping workpieces into vices.

This advanced system ensures production continuity by allowing setups at dedicated stations rather than halting machines during setups—a solution ideal for both small-scale productions (high variance/small batch sizes) & large-scale productions (enabled through quick/easy setups during non-productive periods). Moreover remains flexible enough even when dealing with large/heavy components—perfectly suiting any shape/size requirements universally/flexibly/efficiently—all on one machine/from one source.

For further insights into how these setups function practically: view our YouTube channel video showcasing examples such as HERMLE's HS flex hybrid model C250/C400 (DT).

Journalists/editors seeking more information may contact Maschinenfabrik Berthold HERMLE AG's Marketing Department via email at marketing@hermle.de or phone +49 (0)7426 95-0.