Zoller Showcases Automated Tool Measurement System, Toolholders

Source (all images): Zoller Inc.

Zoller introduces the CoraMeasure LG automated tool measurement system, which is said to enable manufacturing companies to obtain precise measurement results consistently, achieve a high level of process reliability and increase productivity while also addressing workforce shortages.

Developed to work with a Zoller Venturion presetting and measuring machine, the CoraMeasure LG system consists of several components, including the Venturion, a linear robot, a pallet system with reject and buffer positions, as well as a manual transport cart.

Tools are assembled in the pallet system before the linear robot removes the tools and loads them into the Venturion for measuring. Each tool can be identified through the idChip system, and updated tool data is available in Zoller’s database.

The CoraMeasure LG system can also integrate seamlessly with other Zoller automation and tool management solutions. Designed to be flexible and easy to customize, the CoraMeasure LG can be implemented as a new system or retrofitted for an existing Venturion machine. The technology’s compact, durable design is said to require less than 64 square feet of shopfloor space.

The system can accommodate tools weighing up to 22 lbs and with lengths up to 23.6″. It can be configured for HSK-A 100, HSK-A 63, SK40 and SK50 toolholders. Up to 24 HSK-A 63 and 20 HSK-A 100 tools fit on each of the tool pallets.

In addition to presenting the CoraMeasure LG, Zoller displays its range of tool presetting, measuring, inspection, heat-shrinking, balancing, tooling, tool management and automation technology. For example, a Zoller automation solution returning to IMTS 2024 is the RoboSet 2, engineered to automate tool cleaning, inspection, laser marking and loading. The technology enables 24/7, lights-out tool measuring and inspection.

The company’s PowerShrink heat-shrink solution and the ToolBalancer tool balancing system are also returning to IMTS. The PowerShrink can heat-shrink tools in less than 60 sec with a custom induction coil. This design is created to shorten cycle times and conserve toolholder life, while using 30% less energy.

The ToolBalancer balances toolholders, tool assemblies and grinding wheels  for smooth machining that is said to protect the CNC machine, extend tool life and result in improved surface finish.

Zoller is also unveiling the latest designs of several of its smart storage solutions, which interface with Zoller tool management software and most major third-party systems. A custom ToolOrganizer model redeveloped with upgraded electronics and smart compartments is being featured, as well as an updated version of the twister with a revamped push system for tool dispensing.

Zoller CAT, CATD, BT, BTD, HSK, PSC and high-performance toolholders are fine balanced to G2.5 at 25,000 rpm. This can protect the spindle, maximize tool life and offer an optimized milling surface. Zoller toolholders also feature a chip pocket for attaching an RFID chip or the Zoller idChip to track tooling data.

Another technology being introduced at the show is Zoller’s ZidCode 4.0 with expanded z.DMI technology for directly communicating with different CNC machine tool controls. This direct machine interface system is said to provide a secure, reliable method for transferring tool data from a presetting and measuring machine to a number of different CNC machine tool controls — all without stopping the machine. The ZidCode 4.0 networked communication platform transfers the tool data both to the machine tool control and back to the Zoller database. This two-way communication can help with real-time tool life monitoring and tool traceability.

Zoller also presents the torquematic presetting and measuring machine with a torquing station. Ergonomically designed with operator safety in mind, the torquematic can enable tools with collet chucks to be set fully automatically to length, clamped to a predefined torque and measured.