In Canada and the US, the most expensive element of the manufacturing process is time. Tool setup prior to any job being run represents a large amount of that time, which is why the time savings that a tool presetter offers represents monetary savings for any shop. As a general rule of thumb, most shops with 5+ machines will see a reasonable Return on Investment (ROI) with a Haimer Microset Tool Presetter.
What is a Microset Tool Presetter?
Tool setup is frequently overlooked as a time-consumer. Setup is the time it takes to get parts loaded and located, and tools set with offsets that make up for variables such as gauge length, diameter, and runout, into the machine control. The traditional process for tool setup consists of manually intensive operations, usually working with a multitude of different tools and methods of varying accuracy to obtain the desired measurements. On average it takes five minutes to set one tool using these traditional methods.
It is impossible to completely eliminate idle time, but shops can decrease it by using tool presetters. High-quality tool presetters give shops the capability to take fast, precise, and repeatable measurements for each tool offline. This ability makes it possible for machine operators to set tools while the machines are still running, reducing idle time and increasing cost efficiency in the shop.
The Benefits of a Presetter
- Less downtime: preset tools offline and let spindles run so your tooling process is uninterrupted. This process maximizes your production throughput with the reduction of machine downtime, ensuring you manufacture products at a faster rate without compromising optimal product quality.
- Increased machining productivity and tool life: when presetting tools, it is also possible to measure the run-out of a tool assembly. Tool run-out leads to shorter tool life and increased tool chatter for which it would be necessary to reduce spindle speed, causing significant productivity loss.
- Prevent machine crashes: a measured and preset tool can help avoid machine crashes through automatic zero-point monitoring and calibration of the presetter within Tool Management. Presetters can directly transfer measurement data from the tool to the CNC machine, preventing inputting errors and costly machine crashes.
- Save money and time: presetters can minimize machine downtime by on average 15%, which means you can expect to save time usually dedicated to tool set-up and convert it into production time. As a result, by saving time and money during the production process, it becomes much more efficient.
HAIMER Microset Tool Presetters
HAIMER Microset tool presetting equipment streamlines tool setting processes, reducing set up times by as much as 70%, thereby minimizing idle time and increasing machine utilization. Some key differentiators that truly set these machines apart from the rest are:
- Absolute ease of use (turn it on and go)
- Uncomplicated software (no software engineering degree required)
- Stable base construction (Cast Iron, not Aluminum)
- Unsurpassed field support
Haimer offers a wide range of tool presetting equipment under the Microset banner that will fit every application and budget. These machines are manufactured in Germany and are well stocked and supported in North America.
The UNO Series
From Haimer USA:
In addition to precision, speed and reliability, the UNO series includes unique high-tech features not usually seen in entry-level tool presetters.
The entry-level machine, UNO Smart, features a small footprint, user-friendly operation and high precision. It is ideal for measurement during production and has an unbeatable price-performance ratio. Repeatability is ± 5 microns.
Representing the highest standard of manual tool presetting, the UNO Premium is the right solution for almost every user. It features perfect measuring results, direct data transfer and repeatability of ± 2 microns. The UNO Autofocus allows you to take advantage of enhancements such as a 22” touch screen, edge finder and motorized fine adjustment of the C-axis for demanding measurements (2 microns for spindle runout). With a fully automated measurement operation, the UNO Automatic Drive is fully independent of the operator and can be used with minimal user expertise. This guarantees maximum quality and time saving, even with complex tools on several planes.
The VIO Series
From Haimer USA:
For maximum convenience and functionality, the VIO Series offers absolute reliability with high quality components.
Whether operated manually or with the optional semiautomatic (autofocus) feature, our VIO basic is one of the most modern presetting devices in its class, with many features and a wide range of standard equipment. The VIO Linear is the complete solution for fully automatic high-end tool presetting with customizable options. The modular concept makes it possible to preset tools up to 1,000 mm in length and diameter. The available tool shrink option is ideal for multi-spindle machines.
Automated Measurement
All Haimer automated presetters use our Microvision image processing system. This software enables users to realize considerable time savings during job setup and preparation. It does so by measuring and setting tools, quickly, precisely, and independently. Modern image processing ensures that tools are quickly and accurately measured and in turn guarantees the highest quality in your production processes. Complex tools can be measured within the shortest period of time with the latest measuring techniques.
Data Transfer
Microset tool presetting devices are compatible with machine tools from all manufacturers. Post-processed data is transferred to the relevant data exchange drive either via the network or via USB. Control systems from Siemens, Heidenhain, FANUC, MAPPS and many others can be connected by USB data storage, Ethernet LAN or RS232.
RFID Systems
Haimer’s Microset tool presetting machines can be integrated with all popular RFID systems. Read/write heads can be positioned automatically or manually for any toolholder system.
Adapters and Spindles
High quality and precise adapters and spindles are important elements for precise tool presetting. We offer solutions for every situation, from a standard toolholder to customer- specific customized versions.
Triumph Tool is proud to represent To learn more about these and other innovative solutions, to have a demonstration, or to have us assist you with an ROI calculation, please contact us.