In modern CNC production, precision, reliability and machine availability are essential for successful operation. This is especially true for companies manufacturing demanding precision components for industries such as medical technology, semiconductors, watchmaking and aerospace.
The example of the Swiss company Wymed AG clearly shows how well-planned automation, suitable clamping technology and process control can significantly improve production performance. The company is one of the first users of the new EROWA Vise Power Clamp – VPC, an advanced clamping system, or vise, which it uses in a fully automated production process.
High Requirements Demand Reliable Processes
Wymed AG manufactures demanding precision parts and assemblies, including components for orthopaedic implants and instruments. In this type of production, requirements are extremely high: precision, repeatability, traceability and process stability must be ensured throughout the entire production cycle.
In medical technology, production processes cannot simply be changed at will. Once a process has been validated, it must run reliably, securely and repeatably. This is why automation only makes sense when all elements of the system are precisely coordinated.
The EROWA Solution for Greater Reliability and Better Machine Utilisation
To optimise production and increase capacity, Wymed decided to invest in new DMG MORI DMP 70 milling machines in combination with EROWA Robot Compact 80 automation. Thanks to its compact design, the solution fitted perfectly into the existing space constraints of the production hall.
The DMP 70 machine tables were later equipped with the EROWA VPC clamping system, or vise. This system acts as a precise mechanical interface between the machine and the workpiece, enabling the automatic and highly accurate positioning of vises with workpieces on the machine.
The vises with workpieces are equipped with four VPC chucking spigots. The ground functional surfaces of the spigots ensure reliable clamping in the VPC chucking unit, providing a stable basis for automated production.
Stable Clamping, Even with Demanding Materials
One of the key advantages of the VPC system is its high stability. This is particularly important when machining demanding materials such as titanium, which is frequently used in the medical industry. Stable clamping reduces vibrations, improves machining conditions and contributes to higher product quality.
In addition, the low-profile design of the clamping system leaves more space for the workpiece and makes it easier to integrate existing fixtures. For companies with a wide variety of products, this is a major advantage, as different types of parts can be machined on the same platform.
A Flexible Production Cell for Large and Small Workpieces
Wymed further expanded its production with a DMU 40 eVo machining centre, which is also loaded by an EROWA Robot Compact 80. The system is equipped with an additional third magazine, increasing pallet capacity and enabling greater production autonomy.
The machine table is fitted with an EROWA MTS system with a 160 mm pitch and air duct. Vises or clamping fixtures with workpieces are integrated into the system using MTS-VPC adapter pallets with pitches of 52 mm and 96 mm. This allows a wide variety of workpieces to be machined automatically on the same machine – from larger components to small precision parts.
Process Control with EROWA JMS 4.0
Software-based process control is also an important part of automated production. The new machines and robotic cells are connected to the EROWA JMS 4.0 process control system, which enables machine management, order planning, production data monitoring and more efficient organisation of work.
The system also gives employees an overview of machine status via a mobile app. This improves production transparency, enables faster response times and contributes to better utilisation of the equipment.
Automation in a Small Footprint
One of the greatest advantages of EROWA solutions is their modularity. Automation can be adapted to the available space, expanded step by step and connected to various machines and clamping systems.
This is particularly important for companies that want to increase productivity but do not have the option of major spatial expansion. With a properly designed automation solution, a high level of autonomy, better machine utilisation and greater process reliability can be achieved even in a limited production area.
A Best-Practice Example for Modern CNC Production
The example of Wymed AG shows that automation is not intended only for large-series production. With the right clamping system, robotic loading and process control, production with a high variety of parts, demanding materials and strict quality requirements can also be automated efficiently.
EROWA solutions enable companies to achieve:
- greater availability of CNC machines,
- more stable and repeatable processes,
- reliable automated clamping,
- more efficient use of production space,
- machining of different workpiece sizes on the same platform,
- better production planning and control,
- step-by-step expansion of automation.
EROWA as the Basis for Reliable Automation
In production environments where every micron counts and processes must run without unnecessary interruptions, the quality of clamping and automation equipment is essential. With systems such as Vise Power Clamp, or the VPC vise, MTS, Robot Compact 80 and JMS 4.0, EROWA offers a comprehensive approach to automated CNC production.
Such a solution enables companies to increase productivity, improve process stability and adapt more easily to future market requirements.