Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA
Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA

Tactile inspection for CERATIZIT Bulgaria

© CERATIZIT
Quality assessment of indexable insert pockets

In short

The goal of the project is to automate the quality inspection process for triangular insert pockets produced on the Chiron 715MT machine at CERATIZIT Bulgaria. By implementing tactile measurement systems in cooperation with Blum-Novotest GmbH, the project aims to enhance production efficiency and ensure consistent quality without human intervention. Ultimately, this initiative seeks to establish a seamless integration of automated inspection and control processes, thereby facilitating unmanned production and improving overall operational effectiveness at CERATIZIT Bulgaria.

In detail

CERATIZIT Bulgaria AG, a key player in the CERATIZIT Group, specializes in high-precision machining tools and has been operating in Gabrovo since 1993. The company is looking to automate the quality inspection process for triangular insert pockets produced on the newly acquired Chiron 715MT machine to improve production efficiency and reduce human intervention. Collaborating with Blum-Novotest GmbH GmbH and the Fraunhofer Institute, the project aims to adapt existing tactile measurement solutions from CERATIZIT Besigheim to facilitate unmanned production, ensuring accurate quality control and measurement integration into the machining process.

 

The current manual inspection process is time-consuming and prone to human error, which leads to inefficiencies in production. The objective is to create a seamless integration of automated inspection systems that can deliver consistent and reliable quality checks without human intervention. This automation will not only streamline the production process but also set the stage for increased output and reduced labor costs.

 

The following solutions have been developed:

  • Tactile measurement implementation (Collaboration with BLUM-Novotest)
  • Set up of universal inspection programs suitable for a wide variety of pockets
  • Integration of inspection into the manufacturing programs for the Chiron 715MT machine
  • Integration into serial production in cooperation with CERATIZIT BULGARIA

The project to automate the quality inspection of triangular insert pockets at CERATIZIT Bulgaria has yielded significant advantages. By implementing automation and self-adjusting tools, we have achieved increased efficiency in the production process, allowing for continuous operation without manual intervention. The introduction of consistent quality control measures has effectively reduced errors on the shop floor, enhancing product reliability.

Additionally, the automation has led to considerable cost savings by decreasing the labour costs associated with manual inspections. Lastly, the universal architecture of the system offers scalability, enabling the integration of more inspection capabilities as production demands grow. This project sets a solid foundation for future advancements in manufacturing efficiency and quality assurance.

Customer quote

 

»Through our collaborative efforts and innovative approach, we have successfully automated the quality inspection process for triangular insert pockets. This achievement not only enhances our production efficiency but also sets a new standard for precision and reliability in our operations.«

 

Nikolay Stanev (Processes Improvement Engineer \ Process Optimization)