At GIFA 2023, the German grinding and cutting specialist Reichmann Casting Finishing for the first time presented the patent-pending MAUS CAAT self-optimization software for use in the Reichmann MAUS line.
Foundries from Europe and the USA are already successfully using this power combination. They report productivity increases of 5 to over 30 percent in automatic grinding compared to manually feed-optimized programs within the first 100 parts produced.
The MAUS 600, 900, 1400 and 2200 automatic grinding machines cover a wide processing spectrum from small (less than 100 kg, 600 mm interference circle) to large castings (up to 1000 kg and 2200 mm interference circle). The heart of the machine is the modern control system. It impresses with its ease of operation and offers completely new possibilities for visualizing and using machine data. With the self-optimization software "computer aided automatic tuning", MAUS CAAT for short, Reichmann is taking a major step towards exploiting this potential in the direction of Industry 4.0/5.0, IIoT and artificial intelligence.
MAUS CAAT optimizes machining programs to peak performance in the shortest possible time using algorithms. The software specifically detects the smallest weak points in the program during processing. Wherever there is potential to reduce throughput time, this is exploited. Approximately 80% of the cycle optimization is carried out automatically by the machine, while a further 20% of optimization potential is made available to the machine operator in the form of visual data. "This level of optimization cannot be achieved manually," says Rafael Dineiger, International Sales Manager at Reichmann Casting Finishing.
With MAUS CAAT, the program creator no longer needs to optimize the feed rates and can focus on the processing quality. This reduces the time required for program creation by around half.
With an average program creation time of approx. one day, the investment in the software pays for itself with less than 20 different castings. Added to this is the increased productivity with MAUS CAAT, which further shortens the payback period for the entire investment.
"The use of MAUS CAAT, as well as the initial program creation, are so simple that every employee can be qualified for it with just a few days of training. This eases the personnel situation in foundries and contributes to very high machine availability when operating in multiple shifts," says Rafael Dineiger.
The MAUS machines also offer other exciting options. The laser measuring system can compensate for batch fluctuations on the casting, which ensures consistent quality. The optional CF tablet fulfills several helpful functions. By mirroring the user interface on the mobile device, teach-in and process monitoring can be carried out directly in the machine on the tablet. In addition, the tablet, like the control system, supports familiar Windows functions such as offset programming, comments, unlimited programs, network drives and Teamviewer for easy support.
Rafael Dineiger is certain: "As a complete package, a MAUS machine with the MAUS CAAT software and the CF tablet gives our customers a clear advantage over the competition”.
