Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies has developed a CNC-based hybrid tool solution, the Ambit multi-task system, which can be integrated into almost any CNC metalworking machine. Ambit enables the alternate use of metal removal and metal deposition heads in the tool spindle, and ensures optimised machine communication through the use of a PC-based control platform with EtherCAT as the fast fieldbus system.
The hybrid tool solution combines conventional CNC technology and additive production processes with the ability to provide both machining and metal deposition tools on the same spindle. The tool change is performed automatically. Machine tool manufacturers who opt for the Ambit hybrid solution can expand the possibilities of their standard CNC machine by integrating additive manufacturing without additional and tedious re-clamping operations and programming steps. The post-treatment of components, such as polishing, milling and surface sandblasting, can also be done with the same machine equipment – so that transfer to another production cell for finishing is not required. The use of different material compositions for the same product is also possible, and inspection during production guarantees quality grades that cannot otherwise be achieved or determined.
Fully automatic tool change for CNC machining and 3D printing
“The Ambit hybrid kit was developed to offer compatibility with most CNC machine configurations and robot platforms,” explains Dr. Jason Jones, managing director and founder of Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies. “Equipping an existing multi-axis CNC machine with automatically exchangeable deposition heads makes 3D printing in metal possible, without having to purchase a separate machine. This not only reduces costs, but also enables extensive options in the operation of CNC machines.”
The hybrid system supports a wide range of processing heads with different geometries, laser profiles, powder supply configurations and unfocused beams in order to enable a variety of processing steps. These include 3D metal application, welding, marking, chipping, drilling, pre-heating, annealing/relief, surface re-melting and cleaning, and much more. The standard equipment can accommodate up to 15 processing heads. However, an unlimited number of heads can be added, depending on the space in the tool changer and the control system performance.
Beckhoff control technology selected as the new standard
The Ambit control platform consists of a CP2218 Panel PC with multi-touch display that runs TwinCAT 3 automation software, as well as an EK1100 EtherCAT Coupler with in-line connected EtherCAT I/O Terminals. “Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies was particularly impressed by the HMI solution from Beckhoff and the possibility to use EtherCAT technology in the processing head,” stresses Jones.
Peter Coates, co-founder of Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies, adds: “We can supply our customers with processing heads tailored precisely to unique application requirements that are usable on just about any machine tool. The use of EtherCAT as the communication system makes connection to other production cells simple. TwinCAT 3 also simplifies the connection to other company systems, even extending into the integration of customer-owned Ethernet-based control and ERP solutions. In the future, we will continue using Beckhoff control technology as the standard in the advanced hybrid solutions we supply to the global market.”
Efficient engineering with TwinCAT 3
Coates comments on the transition to the PC-based control solution: “It was a significant upgrade from our previous system, and after a minimum amount of training, we were able to integrate all our engineering processes into TwinCAT 3. The advantage of programming with structured text is that we do not have to change the platform; instead, we can simply add new PLC code. This means that all controllers run programs made with the same code, which is incredibly helpful.”
The next steps in the development process
In March 2015, Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies won the International Award for Additive Manufacturing (IAMA) at the MFG meeting in Orlando, Florida, USA, which was awarded for the first time. However, the innovative company is already looking ahead to the future, envisioning the next development steps: these include the migration of the machine tool into the offices to drive research and development, as well as the development of a user interface that is intended to become the basis of a future industry standard.
For more information contact Kenneth McPherson, Beckhoff Automation, +27 (0)11 795 2898, kennethm@beckhoff.com, www.beckhoff.co.za
| Tel: | +27 11 795 2898 |
| Email: | info@beckhoff.co.za |
| www: | www.beckhoff.com |
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