Strain wave gearboxes are an indispensable part of precision drive systems. They play a central role in robotics, automation technology, and positioning axes with high accuracy requirements in particular. But what exactly is the operating principle behind this gear technology, and why is it particularly suitable for compact, low-backlash drive solutions?Â
Wave generators are central drive elements in strain wave gears, which are used in robotics in particular due to their high reduction ratios and compact design. The component consists of a ball bearing with an elliptically shaped outer ring, which is mounted on a shaft and typically acts as the input side of the gearbox.Â
Producing these components presents significant technical challenges for manufacturers: The required shape tolerances in the single-digit micrometre range combined with complex elliptical geometries and thin-walled structures require specialized manufacturing strategies and highly capable machine tools.Â
Ball joints are an integral part of modern vehicle construction – they perform safety-related tasks, particularly in chassis and steering systems. How do they work, and what requirements does this place on the precision manufacture of the ball pin?
Experience the new generation of EDNA Feature Correction and EDNA Production Status.
EDNA Feature Correction is a core component of EDNA ONE and enables the manual or automatic adjustment of production features in real time. This ensures that product quality remains stable over the long term and process deviations can be corrected immediately.
EDNA Production Status is a central module of EDNA ONE and displays the current status of a machine as well as the overall production progress in real time. Operators receive a clear overview of active programs, upcoming work steps and possible downtimes. This makes machine operation more transparent, reaction times are reduced and production can be controlled much more efficiently.Â
The manufacturing industry faces the challenge of using production space more efficiently while also reducing process times. When machining flange parts, such as differential housings, several separate machining stations are required in conventional production. The VT 200 with counter spindle option shows how modern turning machines can address these challenges through process integration.
EWS Weigele is known for its precision tool holders. What is less well known is the company’s technical standards and vertical manufacutring range – including the hard machining of its own bevel and toothed gears. A modernized VSC 400 DDS from EMAG plays a key role here. In this interview, plant manager Christian Schurr explains why the retrofit of this machine was a decisive step for EWS – technically, organizationally and strategically.Â
With the introduction of Sinumerik One, EMAG continues its commitment to the latest CNC control technology from Siemens. Replacing the proven 840D sl platform, SINUMERIK One serves as the foundation for the next generation of digitally connected manufacturing systems. Combined with EMAG’s new WinCC Unified-based software, this future-ready control system delivers maximum performance, intuitive operation and seamless integration of smart data applications.Â
As automation continues to expand in industrial manufacturing, companies face clear demands: short commissioning times, high flexibility with changing workpieces and seamless integration into existing production environments. The MRC – Modular Robot Cell, was developed specifically to meet these requirements, offering a flexible automation solution for automated workpiece handling in machining production.Â
The MRC was first introduced as a bin-picking solution, but has been designed from the beginning as a universally applicable automation system. The modular design allows different applications to be implemented using standardized modules, making it easy to adapt the systemto new tasks without major redesigns.Â
In modern manufacturing operations, energy efficiency is one of the key parameters for profitability and sustainability. With the new EDNA Energy Manager, EMAG now offers a software solution that addresses this challenge: It enables intelligent control of FANUC-controlled machines and targeted energy savings – without operator intervention. Automated time and energy saving profiles can be used to optimally plan and implement both the start-up process and idle phases. The result: lower energy costs, higher machine availability and a contribution to sustainable production.Â
The machining of thin-walled workpieces is a complex task in manufacturing technology. Hardened rings and gears in particular exhibit considerable shape deviations after heat treatment. These components typically have elliptical, potato-shaped or triangular contours instead of the required circular shape. During subsequent lathe machining, conventional clamping systems often fail to achieve the required roundness tolerances.
The central challenge lies both in the deviation of the clamping diameter and in the interaction between workholding technology and cutting forces. While traditional diaphragm chucks, collet chucks or centering and face chucks can guarantee a mechanical fixation, out-of-round workpieces inevitably deform, leaving  free arc segments between the clamping points. At these points, the lathe tool presses the thin-walled component outwards, which leads to additional shape deviations after spring-back. Even with optimized workholding technology, conventional processes often reach their limit at roundness values of 20 to 30 µm.