Tool presetters: the key to boosting quality & productivity

Tool presetters: the key to boosting quality and productivity.

Tool presetters improve quality and boost productivity by precisely measuring any tool off-line with micron accuracy. This enables a CNC machine to keep cutting so that machine uptime is optimised and tool life is maximised.

Tool presetters provide three key features in the one machine: measuring, presetting, and inspecting tools. They save on set-up time, improve accuracy and produce better quality parts, while minimising scrap. A state-of-the-art image processing system measures the cutting edges of tools in seconds, then saves and documents the measurement results. As a result, the time-consuming process of making fine adjustments are a thing of the past. Adjustable boring bars can be easily set with micron precision in less than a minute, which in turn eradicates frustrating “trial and error” cutting. Tool run-out can also be checked and cutting inserts inspected using the on-board inspection camera. “Presetting and measuring allows for shorter fitting times and greater productivity – while your machine works you can get the next tool ready,” explains Paul Fowler, Managing Director of Dimac Tooling. “Thanks to correctly preset tools, the very first part will be of the highest quality. You can also be confident the tool will perform perfectly until the end of the tool life, thereby minimising the chance of rejects. Dimac is the sole distributor for Zoller; acknowledged as the premium manufacturer of tool presetters. Zoller is a German brand founded by Alfred Zoller; the company today is still run by the Zoller family, which is now in its third generation. Since 1968 more than 28,000 presetting and measuring machines have been sold, as well as tool measuring machines and globally unrivalled software solutions . Zoller also markets the range of EZset tool presetters. Dimac has had a long, successful association with the company, which started when Fowler met Christoph Zoller at the Austech manufacturing technology exhibition in Melbourne in 2007. Following a series of discussions, Christoph Zoller became confident of Dimac’s ability to successfully market his company’s brand in Australia and New Zealand, and Dimac was duly appointed sole distributor for the EZset range. EZset presetters are assembled from high-quality brand-name parts, such as Bosch pneumatic components, THK guides and Heidenhain glass scales, to ensure a long, maintenance-free lifetime. Equipped with image processing based on the newest technology available, a precise tool mounting spindle and numerous measurement functions, EZset sets the benchmark in cost-effective tool presetting outside of a CNC machine tool. “Right from the start, the working dedication, eagerness to learn the product and focus on our brand gave me a very good impression of Mr Fowler and his business,” says Christoph Zoller. “Over the years we have met numerous times at trade shows where our relationship has strengthened. Having successfully marketed our EZset brand it made perfect sense to award distribution of our premium Zoller band to Dimac for both the Australia and New Zealand markets.” Regardless of the model chosen, all Zoller presetters feature the highest-quality components, including a high-precision, freely accessible toolholder spindle, stateof-the-art optics, leading image processing technology and comfortable and easy to use ergonomic control units. “We’ve been distributing Germanmanufactured tool presetters for a number of years and these have enabled many CNC operators to improve their productivity and quality,” Fowler adds. “Offering the choice of both the EZset and Zoller range ensures we can cater to all market segments. No matter what your requirements or budget, we are confident we will now have a presetter to suit your needs perfectly.” In addition to offering an extensive range of models, both EZset and Zoller offer extensive hardware and software options to suit individual operators’ production needs. Both brands have a range of optional features that includes a direct link via ethernet to various CNC machines. This facilitates the direct transfer of a measured tool’s library of results, thus eliminating the potential of damaging data entry errors. “Precisely measured cutting tools deliver at least a 15% increase in productivity in your manufacturing processes,” Fowler concludes. “The initial investment in a tool presetting device is quickly returned through the increased productivity, higher quality and less waste. They are easy to operate and will save a company time and money.” www.dimac.com.au