A partnership of the creative kind has been formed between Baden-Württemberg-based CONCAD GmbH and Starrag Technology GmbH: The deluxe “job shop”, which makes its own tools, ordered two new Droop+Rein FOGS machines from Starrag in Bielefeld, for which it is building a new, air-conditioned production hall.
Regular customers are important; they can even inspire new Droop+Rein machine concepts, including the new Droop+Rein FOGS HD (Heavy Duty) product, which is based on inspiration from CONCAD GmbH in Walldürn (in Germany’s Neckar-Odenwald-Kreis district). The Baden-Württemberg-based company, which already owns a Droop+Rein FOGS M30 and a Droop+Rein TF, has long been on the lookout for a machine capable of processing large, heavy tools in a clamping device, with the highest level of precision. The machine needed to be especially suitable for exterior body parts for use in vehicle body construction, and for machine components. Managing Director Klaus Schwab explains: “Frustrated by many test runs, I told Ulrich Wiehagen in Bielefeld what I was looking for, since it seemed that none of the standard machine concepts met my needs.” Usually, the long Droop+Rein TF portal machine with movable table would be suitable. The problem with this though is the large space requirement; it is not as easy as a gantry machine to integrate into ongoing operations — night shifts with few staff, for example.
“Why don’t we simply combine the two machine types that are already established on the market, the FOGS and TF, into a single machine concept by locating the modules of the portal machine in the top position on the foundation?” he asked Wiehagen, Plant Manager for the Droop+Rein product range from Starrag Technology GmbH in Bielefeld. His request was no sooner said than done: A short time later, the Droop+Rein FOGS HD, a very efficient high gantry machine for precise machining (X-axis: 3,000 to 31,000 mm; Y-axis: 3,000 to 6,000 mm; Z-axis: 1,500 to 2,500 mm) with fast, dynamic axes and extremely high torque (2,400 to 7,500 Nm). The operating speed is not the only advantage — it can finish items around 20–30% faster and more economically than a portal machine. “I agree with Mr Wiehagen that portal machines are now no longer needed for toolmaking”, says Schwab. “Aside from the possibility of unmanned production, the HD also offers the option of a runtime-parallel setup in the machine.” It would be significantly less efficient to opt for the usual solution with two FOGS or a classic, very large table machine requiring incorporated peripheral devices (e.g. a pallet changer) and a much larger floor area.
The new machine, the HD, is being installed in a temperature-stabilised hall that will also be home to yet another brand new machine: The new Droop+Rein FOGS NEO high-speed machining centre features a new milling unit and a modified C-axis that, thanks to its enormous flexibility, can be used for efficient production of highly precise machine parts. Eckhard Friemel, Product Sales Manager for Droop+Rein: “We are in the process of extending the C-axis from a maximum of ±200° to ±400°.”
Commissioning of the two FOGS machines is planned for summer 2019. From this point onwards, the partnership with Starrag will move to the next level. As pilot user, CONCAD will demonstrate to interested companies how the FOGS NEO and HD work in practice.
