Fully Automatic Boring Head Performs Closed-Loop Boring Operations

The Big Kaiser EWA Automatic Fine Boring System from Big Daishowa  performs closed-loop boring operations without a human operator. This feature eliminates the need to stop the spindle to manually adjust the boring tool, which results in considerable time savings, according to the company. Also, eliminating human interaction reduces cost, improves accuracy and minimizes scrap. The adjustment range of the fine boring head enables the handling of multiple bore sizes with the same tool and ensures a repeatable boring process.

For example, mold bases typically have many bores on the same base for various components, and each bore has its own size and tolerance and requires a unique boring tool to fine bore each hole. The EWA’s automatic adjustment with a large work range means the same tool can accommodate many holes of different sizes and can be programmed accordingly, thus making mold base boring faster, automatic and with less boring tools, Big Daishowa says.

The EWA fine boring head is available in two sizes, one with a boring range of Ø2.677"-5.276" (Ø68-134 mm) and the other with a range of Ø.394"-2.126" (Ø10-54 mm). EWA kits are also available for each of these head sizes. These can include inserts, insert holders, a controller, antenna and protective case.

The EWA can be used on machines with BT/BBT30-40-50, CV/BCV(SK)40-50, Big Capto 5-6-8 and HSK-A63-80-100-125 spindles. Moreover, the company says it can be integrated in three primary configurations: fully integrated, PC control or tablet control.

A fully integrated system has the EWA control software running directly on the machine tool control via an app or technology cycle, requiring no external control device. The fully integrated system can only be integrated on new machine tools.

For legacy machines, a PC interface between the machine tool and the EWA can provide a fully automated, closed-loop control cycle. Commands are sent from the machine tool to the EWA, automatically adjusting the tool in synchronization with the machining process. The PC is able to stop the machining cycle after the touch probe makes a measurement, read the result and send the corresponding adjustment value to the EWA. After the EWA has been adjusted, the PC notifies the machine tool to continue the process.