With the new VST 50 machine, EMAG is for the first time tackling a task that is as special as it is demanding: the machining of ball pins and ball sleeves. In the steering or suspension of cars, for example, these components are indispensable. What are the details of the VST 50 and how can extreme chip-to-chip times of less than two seconds be achieved in this field? Read more about this challenge in our conversation with Dr. Mathias Klein, CSO of the EMAG Group.
Author
Oliver Hagenlocher
In the world of high precision drives, Zoerkler is a name synonymous with innovation, quality and technical excellence. In its almost 120-year history, the company has developed from a modest mechanical engineers’ workshop into a leading supplier of drive systems for the automotive and aviation industries. In this interview, Managing Director Bernhard Wagner provides insights into the fascinating world of precision manufacturing, innovative production technologies and the future visions of Zoerkler Gears GmbH & Co KG.
Actually, the turret inside a machine tool bears little resemblance to the barrel of a firearm in purely visual terms. So where does this name come from? We explain this in the following “How it works” blog. The same applies to the questions of how the whole thing works in detail and who invented it. Incidentally, the latter has a lot to do with the history of EMAG.
How can particularly large and heavy components be produced using lean production solutions? This question is becoming increasingly important, especially in the commercial vehicle sector, because price pressure in the market demands the lowest possible unit production costs. In this context, the VSC 500 and VSC 500 DUO machines from EMAG are real “game changers” for manufacturers. They load themselves and then ensure fast and precision complete-machining in a single setup or two. A conversation with Peter Gröner from the Turning Business Unit at EMAG about the enormous possibilities of this technology.
The e-bike market continues to boom – even if manufacturers have recently been unable to match the record figures from the pandemic. Nevertheless, around 1.6 million e-bikes were produced in Germany in 2023. In light of these large figures, it is particularly interesting to take a look at the central component: how exactly does the e-bike motor work, what characterizes its production and what changes are in store for the future?
High precision, fast processes, small footprint – the VSC 500 and VSC 500 DUO vertical pick-up machines ensure efficiency in the machining of large components, such as those required in the commercial vehicle sector. They load themselves and then start complete-machining in a single setup or two setups (DUO).
In the world of machine tools, the optimal design of processes is crucial to achieving the highest precision and efficiency. In today’s blog article, we spoke to Jörg Lohmann, Head of Technology and Product Management and Member of the Management Board at EMAG KOEPFER, to find out more about how hobbing processes are designed, using planetary gears as an example. Jörg Lohmann brings almost 20 years of experience in the design and application of gear hobbing machines and gear cutting processes and gives us a deeper insight into the decision-making behind these processes.
Old technology – new applications: The torque converter transmission is still “in” and is very important in automotive engineering. It is used more frequently in hybrid engines, for example. But how does the technology work and what are the advantages and disadvantages?
When the conversation turns to the topic of sustainability, most would assume green manufacturing and environmental protection will be the focus of the discussion. It’s part of the chat, Michael Tamasi, President and CEO of AccuRounds, argues, but to him and his company the term means much, much more. Yes, they’ve added solar panels to lower the plant’s carbon footprint; however, Michael knew building a company that will last involves attracting, developing and keeping talented staff. Retaining good employees also requires nurturing a creative and caring culture, and of course, operating a profitable business that provides long-term financial security as well as a good wage.
MR Components, a medium-sized company from Grigno, Italy, has significantly increased its production capacity and simultaneously improved quality by introducing intelligent automation with EMAG machines. The company, which specializes in the production of parts for differential and planetary gears, now produces around 80,000 components per month, with some of the machines running unmanned in the evenings. In conversation with Alessandro Reguzzo, owner and Managing Director of MR Components, we were able to find out more about the company’s production philosophy and design and development.