product news

Liquidtool Manager
MONITORS COOLANTS USING INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY
With the Liquidtool Manager, Liquidtool can exchange experiences with other users
Systems introduces the first intelligent, worldwide in the Liquidtool Community.
IoT-based solution for monitoring cool-
ants. It is the first product ever to combine “Digital first” — including in sales
a plug & play solution and a cloud-based The Liquidtool Manager is developed
platform with intelligent, automated and and sold by the Swiss start-up Liquidtool
reliable measurement into an innovation Systems, a sister company of Blaser
that takes metalworking companies a step Swisslube AG, which has been a leader in
closer to Industry 4.0. The Liquidtool the production of lubricants for over 80
Sensor, which is also available, makes data years. “With the Liquidtool Manager, we
collection easy. Thanks to plug & play, are proud to offer our customers a product
sensor commissioning is simple and intui- that makes a significant contribution to
tive business: the highly integrative sensor the progressive digitalization of the met-
is magnetically mounted on the machine
to be monitored, connected to the compa-
ny’s WLAN or LAN internet connection
and operated with the corresponding app
via tablet, smartphone or PC.

Automatic measurement and

evaluation of the coolant
The sensor for metal cutting machines is
compatible with coolants of all manufac-
turers and monitors them automatically.
The Liquidtool Sensor regularly takes
coolant from the machine tank and mea-
sures the sample with the built-in refrac-
tometer and thermometer. It stores the
data gathered securely on the correspond-
ing platform, allowing deviations to be
detected at an early stage. Users can add
additional values such as pH, nitrite and
water hardness manually. Reliable, regular
measurement forms the basis for stabiliz-
ing and optimizing processes, increas-
ing efficiency and identifying problems
early on. This in turn can reduce machine
downtime and contributes to a longer ser- alworking industry,” says Daniel Brawand,
vice life of the coolant and tools. head of sales and marketing at Liquidtool
Systems. “The Manager and the associated
Cloud-based platform for Sensor are installed and operated easily
maximum monitoring flexibility and intuitively, allowing users to take reli-
The data collected by the sensor is able measurements with minimal effort.
stored and analyzed in the cloud-based Based on this, they can optimize their pro-
Liquidtool Manager. The Manager pro- cesses and minimize maintenance costs.
vides secure access to all current and his- We are very excited to launch the product
torical measurement data — in real-time in the spring of 2021. Our focus is also on
and from various devices, such as smart- digital technology when it comes to sales:
phones, tablets and computers. The stored both products will be available online via
data can be displayed directly in the the Liquidtool website.”
Liquidtool Manager via various graphics, www.liquidtool.com
statistics and reports. In addition, users

12 GEAR TECHNOLOGY | May 2021

[www.geartechnology.com]
Marposs
ANNOUNCES MERLIN PLUS
STANDALONE GAUGING
SOFTWARE
Marposs has announced the stand-
alone availability of Merlin Plus gauging
software. Formerly only embedded in
Merlin hardware devices, this software is
now offered for use on any PC running
Windows 7 or Windows 10 operating sys-
tem. Aimed at optimizing industrial pro-
duction analysis and control, Merlin Plus
software combines flexibility and ease
of use for managing simple measuring
and manual bench applications. It is well-
suited for fixture builders and makers, as

FORGING
well as end-users that want to configure
their own measurement applications.
Merlin Plus software offers multiple
measurement and statistical displays with
numeric and graphic layout, trend limits,

AHEAD
data traceability, batch management, part
counters, and data storage; exporting in
CSV or Q-DAS format. It can handle up
to 250 different measurements, 1,000 dif-
ferent part programs and offers connec-
tion to several type of devices with built-
in drivers.
Merlin Plus software also comes with

OF THE PACK
a free add-on called Merlin Designer,
which allows users to create customized
pages using graphical representations of
measurements such as bars and images,
as well as imported CAD, JPG, and GIF
files. In manual applications this feature
allows to easily guide the operator in car-
rying out the inspection sequence of any
component.
With a set of predefined I/O configura-
tions, the Merlin Plus software can also
comfortably satisfy the need of simple
automatic applications requiring to inter-
face with a PLC.
The standard network capabilities of a Fast.
full Windows system combined with the No Fine Print.
built-in data segregation features makes
it a perfect platform for efficient data No Premium.
collection in compliance with company At McInnes Rolled Rings, we provide quality
standards. products, shipped fast. And we partner that with
www.marposs.com exceptional customer service to forge the perfect
partnership with our customers.

1.877.695.0280  www.McInnesRolledRings.com

May 2021 | GEAR TECHNOLOGY 13

 product news

EDM Intelligent Solutions

CREATES 5-AXIS 3D METROLOGY CENTER
EDM Intelligent Solutions (EDMIS)
is pleased to announce the release of
their new MVi5 – 5-Axis 3D Metrology
Center joining FANUC CNC controls
with advanced 3D metrology sensors to
create an industry ready multi-sensor
metrology and measurement platform.
The company provides a unique level of
expertise for the automation and indus-
trial metrology requirements of OEM
and research and development custom-
ers within the major aerospace, automo-
tive, communications, defense, medical,
and scientific industries.
EDM Intelligent Solutions automation
group has developed a unique, 5-Axis 3D
Metrology Center based on a machine
tool motion system with fully integrated
high-resolution 3D metrology sensors.
Utilizing industry proven FANUC CNC
controls and servomotors, the MVi5
offers the reliability and long-life perfor-
mance that users in the aerospace, auto-
motive, mechanical engineering, medical,
plastics, and semiconductor technology
industries have come to trust.
The robust machine tool base houses
a top-of-the-line motion system with
linear travels of 300 mm on the X, Y and The need for hands on, complex is quick and simple via the touch screen
Z axes along with integrated glass scales programming of the measurement optimized EDMISi human machine
on each. The heavy-duty rotation and and inspection tasks have been vir- interface with native barcode compat-
tilt unit features an enhanced payload of tually eliminated and replaced with a ibility. User access controls and permis-
20 kg with a B-Axis tilt range of ±120° user friendly, menu-based program- sions allow operators to only select and
and continuous C-Axis rotation of 360°, ming interface found in the Foundation run approved inspection programs while
with both axes having integrated abso- Programming Environment from Engineering and Administration staff
lute encoders. EDMIS. Customized 3D model-based have full access to create and modify
Advanced 3D metrology sensors fea- measurement and inspection programs programs and to administer all features
turing measurement speeds of up to are automatically generated off the 3D and functionality of the machine.
≤ 1.7 million points per second and solid model design of the part to be www.edmdept.com
high-resolutions’ of 10 nm allow the inspected. The user simply uploads the
MVi5 to measure form, distance, height, solid model, selects the areas to measure
surface roughness, true position, scan and a program is created. Offline mea-
vs. CAD model differences and scan surement and inspection programming
vs. scan differences all in one rugged is also offered through integration with
multi-sensor platform that is ready to be various CAD/CAM software packages
installed directly on the manufacturing common within industry. Operation of
production floor. the MVi5 5-Axis 3D Metrology Center

14 GEAR TECHNOLOGY | May 2021

[www.geartechnology.com]
Helios Gear Products
INTRODUCES HOBBING SOLUTIONS FOR PLASTIC GEARS
External plastic gears, like their metal
counterparts, use the hobbing process
for productive manufacturing. However,
the difference in material leads manu-
facturers to key considerations to ensure
successful hobbing applications. Plastic
gears tend to be ultra-fine- (finer than
~64 DP) to fine-pitch (finer than 20 DP);
their material strength can be compro-
mised; order volumes tend to be high;
chip evacuation requires a special sys-
tem; and burr mitigation is a must.
Decades of experience from Helios Gear
Products address these issues as follows.
To productively manufacture fine-
and ultra-fine-pitch gears + which plastic a common starting point for speed may plastic gears, high-speed tool spindles
gears often are + the hobbing machine be 250 m/min (820 sfm). Consider that are a must, such as those offered on the
must offer high speeds. Contemporary some contemporary CNC hobbing plat- hobbing models Hera 30 (10,000 rpm)
hobbing platforms for these types of gears forms offer only 2,000 rpm tool spindles; or the Monnier + Zahner 500 D-drive
offer hob spindles up to and exceeding the following chart demonstrates how (12,000 rpm).
10,000 rpm. At first thought, this may this limits achievable speeds when using The material of small parts can be
seem excessive, but speed requirements hobs less than approximately 40 mm easily compromised under clamping
stem from surface speed requirements. diameter. Thus, to ensure productive pressure when mounted for hobbing.
For instance, when using a carbide hob, manufacturing of ultra-fine to fine-pitch Hydraulic pressure is typically needed,

May 2021 | GEAR TECHNOLOGY 15

 product news
but when trying to avoid part slipping, fixturing of very small workpieces with systems, such as gantries, bowl feeders,
such clamping forces can crush, mush- reduced clamping force. magazines, conveyors, line feeders, and
room, or unacceptably deform a work- Because plastic gear orders are often more. Each system offers benefits and
piece. Dual direct-drive work spindles large-volume, manufacturers must con- limitations for the manufacturer to weigh
offer help to alleviate this problem. With sider automation capabilities of the hob- for his applications, so he must speak
this ability, the machine’s work spin- bing machine. Small (or very small!) with the applications engineers from the
dle (headstock) and tailstock are both workpieces require a variety of auto- machine tool’s factory to learn more. Less
directly driven by CNC motors that are matic loaders depending on their geom- ideally, a third party automation solution
kept in a synchronized timing. This etry. Although robots are prevalent today, can also be considered, but this will add
helps remove frictional forces during they typically lack the dexterity and/or complexity to the hobbing solution.
clamping, which allows easier fixturing clearances to handle these parts. As such, As with metal gears, burrs pro-
with less clamping force. Consequently, manufacturers must familiarize them- duced by the hobbing operation must
dual direct-drive work spindles allow selves with more specialized automation be removed. Most hobbing machines
offer a dedicated deburring disc that
shears away burrs during the hob-
bing cycle. Because this adds no time
to the machining cycle, it should be
used whenever possible. However, such
discs may still leave micro-burrs, which
may not be acceptable for the finished
gear. Thus, more sophisticated meth-
ods may be employed for deburring,
such as single- and two-hob deburring.
If the machine tool allows a negative
center distance + i.e., the tool spindle
can reach “over” the work axis + then
the same hob that performed the hob-
bing operation can also deburr the same
gear. This is performed on the hob-
bing machine (such as those offered
by Monnier + Zahner), with the same
clamping, within the same cycle, which
is a huge benefit gained at the cost of
a few seconds of cycle time and a bit
of extra programming during setup.
Machines that cannot hob “beyond zero”
(for one-hob deburring) may offer suf-
ficient hob shifting with special software
to use two-hob deburring.
In this operation, two hobs are
mounted on the same hob arbor, each
performs a typical hobbing cycle, but
the second hob cuts and feeds in an
opposite direction. As a result, each
hobbing pass pushes chips toward
the middle of the part, thus avoiding
burrs. As with one-hob deburring, two-
hob deburring uses the same clamp-
ing within the same cycle as the hob-
bing process, so it is a very productive
means of deburring plastic gears.
An example of two-hob deburr-
ing can be seen at heliosgearproducts.
com/two-hob-deburring-plastic-gear-
hera-30/. Other means of deburring
are available but may require additional
machines and/or operations. Such com-
plexity can be avoided by choosing

16 GEAR TECHNOLOGY | May 2021

[www.geartechnology.com]
a hobbing machine with “built-in”
deburring abilities.
Applications engineers from Helios
Kapp Niles Metrology
OFFERS ROUGHNESS MEASUREMENT
Gear Products discuss the above strat-
egies with manufacturers when they Discover the option of roughness measurement from Kapp Niles Metrology for
choose an optimal hobbing platform determining surface roughness of gear teeth. The tactile measuring method with
for plastic gears. Such decisions con- skid touch system works highly precise and reliable. The evaluation of all com-
sider key factors such as the machine’s mon roughness values complies with the specifications of international stan-
ability to effectively clamp small work- dards. The measured values are
pieces by using dual direct-drive work output via the screen display and
spindles. Because plastic is not a fer- as a printout on the gear mea-
rous material, the hobbing platform surement protocol. Roughness
must adequately handle chips without a measurement is available on
traditional magnetic conveyor. the following gear measuring
Automation systems and their ver- machines: KNM 5X, KNM 9X,
satility should be discussed for the KNM X series, KNM C series,
manufacturer’s particular applications, KNM P series.
as should deburring methods. Finally, www.kapp-niles.com
choosing a hobbing solution with high-
speed spindles will help future-proof
the platform to handle a wide range of
applications, and it will future-proof
for tomorrow’s more aggressive cutting
tool materials and coatings.
Heliosgearproducts.com

All
All The
the Gear Cutting Tools You Will Ever Need are
Are Right Here
DTR is one of the world’s largest producers.
DTR. Your best choice for high quality gear cutting tools.
DTR is a world class supplier of the finest high performance long-life gear
manufacturing tools, for small and large gear cutting applications.
Established in 1976, we are one of the world’s largest producers of cutting
tools, shipping to over 20 countries.
DTR offers a full line of gear cutting tools including:
• Hobs • Chamfering and Deburring Tools
• Carbide Hobs • Broaches
• Shaper Cutters • Master Gears
• Milling Cutters

We can produce virtually any tool you need for auto, aerospace, wind,
mining, construction and other industrial gears.

Every tool is precision-made utilizing high speed steel, premium powder

metal or carbide and the latest in coatings, to achieve superior cutting and
long life. DTR uses top of the line equipment including Reischauer CNC
grinders and Klingelnberg CNC sharpeners and inspection equipment.

Learn more about our outstanding quality tools at www.dtrtool.com.

Call us at 847-375-8892 for your local sales representative or
Email [email protected]
m for a quotation.

BOOTH #3134

DTR has sales territories available. Call for more information.

U.S. Office Location (Chicago) Email Headquarters
inquiries to: [email protected]. 85, Namdong-daero 370beon-gil, Namdong-gu, Incheon, Korea, 21635
(formerly Dragon Precision Tools) 1261 Wiley Road, Unit K, Schaumburg, IL 60173
PHONE: +82.32.814.1540
WWW.DTRTOOL.COM PHONE: 847-375-8892 Fax: 224-220-1311 FAX: +82.32.814.5381

May 2021 | GEAR TECHNOLOGY 17

 product news

Shell
ANNOUNCES GLOBAL
PORTFOLIO OF CARBON
NEUTRAL LUBRICANTS
Shell has announced it will offer cus-
tomers carbon neutral lubricants across
a range of products for passenger cars,
heavy duty diesel engines and indus-
trial applications. Shell aims to offset
the annual emissions of more than 200
million liters of advanced synthetic

lubricants, expecting to compensate

around 700,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide
equivalent (CO2e) emissions per year,

Going Up?
which is equivalent to taking approxi-
mately 340,000 cars off the road for one
year.

LOOK
“Shell has set a target to become a net-
zero emissions energy business by 2050,
in step with society and our custom-

SOUTH.
ers,” said Carlos Maurer, executive vice
president, global commercial at Shell.
“We know our customers are looking
for ways to reduce their net carbon foot-
There’s a lot going on up print, and as the world’s leading lubri-
there, and the commercial cants supplier we have an important
space age is booming. role to play. That is why I am pleased
You’ll find your custom, to announce the largest carbon neutral
high precision aerospace program in the lubricants industry, and
gears close to home, at one that compensates for the full life-
Southern Gear. We’re a cycle emissions of our products. From
‘space coast’ pioneer, today, our consumers, commercial driv-
with the resources and ers and industrial customers can now
experience to take your enjoy the benefits of improved engine
next aerospace gear project performance and better fuel efficiency in
to new heights.
a carbon neutral way.”
Gears for the wild blue yonder This represents a key milestone in
aren’t for the faint at heart. Look to Shell Lubricants’ multi-year strategy to
Southern Gear. help customers manage their sustainabil-
ity needs and its ambition to reduce the
carbon intensity of its products by avoid-
There’s a Better Way. ing, reducing, and offsetting emissions.
Since 2016, Shell has reduced the carbon
intensity of its lubricants manufacturing
by over 30%, and over 50% of electricity
used in its lubricant blending plants now
comes from renewable sources. Shell
is also reducing packaging waste from
lubricants products at scale by increasing
the use of recycled materials and explor-
ing more sustainable packaging solutions
across its supply chains.
800.248.5152 | southerngear.com | 3685 NW 106 St. Miami, FL 33147 While measures to avoid and reduce
Established in 1957 | Veteran-Owned | ISO 9001:2015 | AS9100D | ITAR Compliant
emissions offer the best way to tackle
emissions in the long term, until scalable

18 GEAR TECHNOLOGY | May 2021

[www.geartechnology.com]
solutions are deployed, carbon offsetting
programs provide an immediate solution
to balance CO2e emissions across Shell’s
KISSsoft
FITS INDIVIDUAL SOFTWARE NEEDS WITH CUSTOMIZED
portfolio and value chain. Shell’s global OPTIONS
portfolio of nature-based carbon credits
will compensate CO2e emissions from One of the key aspects in modern software development is to give end users suffi-
the entire lifecycle of these products, cient freedom to adapt their working environment to individual needs. This ensures
including the raw materials, packaging, simple and intuitive handling, which in turn leads to efficient work processes. In
production, distribution, customer use KISSsoft, various options are available for personalizing the user interface and tai-
and product end of life. loring it to your own requirements.
Shell’s carbon neutral lubricants User-defined tools and other entries can be added to the KISSsoft database, for
will be available in key markets across example. Custom reports are also easy to implement or edit, and manufacturing
Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East drawings can be modified within wide limits. Creating user-defined rules and out-
and North America. Shell will offset put files simplifies the entire workflow. In addition, KISSsoft calculations can be
the emissions from a mix of advanced easily integrated into other programs.
synthetic lubricants in these markets, www.kisssoft.com
including Helix and Pennzoil for passen-
ger cars; Rimula and Rotella for heavy
duty diesel engines, and a wide range of
premium industry lubricants, includ-
ing Shell Omala in the wind sector,
Shell’s range of eco-Label products “Shell
Naturelle”, and the Shell Gadus greases
product range.
www.shell.com/
naturebasedsolutions

High precision Gears and Components.

Short lead times for any volume
environment.
Latest technology for high efficiency and
competitiveness.

PreSenCe in all SeCtorS:

· Marine
· Highway and Off-Highway
· Industrial
· Railway
· Aerospace

www.gruposdiferenciales.es
Portal de Bergara 32,
01013 Vitoria-Gasteiz (Álava) Spain
Phone: (+34) 945 260 100
Fax: (+34) 945 261 446

May 2021 | GEAR TECHNOLOGY 19

 product news

Weiler Abrasives
CREATES PRODUCTIVITY PROGRAM
Weiler Abrasives is offering its Weiler
Consumable Productivity (WCP) pro-
gram to help end users better manage
their abrasives costs and increase pro-
ductivity. The WCP program tests and
evaluates abrasives to compare prod-
uct life, reduce cycle times and increase
efficiencies.
“The WCP program can bring real
value to end users, especially if they are
experiencing bottlenecks in their opera-
tions, have short abrasive life and want
to improve performance,” says Ron
McCarthy, abrasives specialist, Weiler
Abrasives. “Our goal is to set them on a
path of cost savings and better produc-
tivity + and we’re confident we can do representatives look at how abrasives are By comparing several products
that. One of our most recent WCP par- used, how long they last and how pro- throughout the process, Weiler Abrasives
ticipants saved $62,000 annually, so our ductive they are. It involves five steps: provides a recommendation for the
customers are finding significant value 1. Evaluating the value related to pur- best, most productive abrasive for the
in this program.” chasing the abrasives application.
The program involves time stud- 2. Real-life testing at the company’s
facility weilerabrasives.com/Multipass-
ies and observation of abrasive usage 3. Establishing a baseline through testing Consumable-Productivity
to gather quantitative data that can be 4. Collecting data and establishing aver-
measured and verified, leading to a ages through product evaluation
repeatable solution. Weiler Abrasives 5. Reviewing findings and creating an
actionable plan

FANUC CNC and Robotics Integration

SIMPLIFIES MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS
FANUC America introduces the next providing machine tending or other robotics to execute repetitive tasks pre-
step in complete robotics and CNCs assistance through its Quick and Simple viously manually performed. Advanced
integration for more efficient opera- Startup of Robotization (QSSR). automation offers a competitive edge
tions. FANUC CNCs now have the abil- More manufacturing operations and greater profit margins to shops of
ity to control connected FANUC robots are taking advantage of adding more all sizes.
QSSR is a complete package that sim-
plifies the connection of a FANUC robot
to a FANUC controlled machine tool.
The new QSSR G-code feature allows
operators and machine tool builders
to program robots easily through the
FANUC CNC in ISO standard G-code
format. Those unfamiliar with robotic
programming language will no longer
require additional training or special-
ists because the programming can be
performed with G-codes. A reliance on
a separate teach pendant for the robot is
also greatly reduced with the capability
of robotic programming and operation
through the CNC user interface.
www.fanucamerica.com

20 GEAR TECHNOLOGY | May 2021

[www.geartechnology.com]
Matthews
Automation
Solutions
INTRODUCES WAREHOUSE
EXECUTION SYSTEM
SOFTWARE
Matthews Automation Solutions, a pro-
vider of warehouse automation systems
and software, is introducing their new
NEXUS Warehouse Execution System
(WES). A warehouse execution system
connects diverse automated processes
in a distribution center and manages developed with a completely new web- architecture was developed on the foun-
them as a centralized, integrated mate- based front end. dation of Matthews’ proven Pyramid
rial handling system. Matthews NEXUS “The responsive user interface was Director and CORS solutions, and offers
WES unifies data, operations and mate- designed to provide an intuitive, con- more robust capabilities, improved
rial handling equipment, enabling them figurable workspace with end-to-end usability and enhanced security.”
to function collaboratively and increase system visibility and control,” said Dann Support will continue for Pyramid and
throughput and material flow through- Woellert, WES product manager for Compass customer installations through
out the facility. The software features a Matthews. “Being web-based, NEXUS Matthews’ Cincinnati team, who will
new web-based front end for improved can be accessed on all devices — from also offer virtual demonstrations of
usability and visualization on desktop PCs to tablets to phones — regardless of NEXUS to end users and partners.
and mobile devices. operating system.” matthewsautomation.com
Matthews Pyramid Director and Dann continues, “ The NEXUS
CORS (Compass Order Routing System)
software platforms have helped leading

Proven. World-Class
brands in retail, food and beverage, par-
cel handling and other industries elevate
their omnichannel and ecommerce order

High Torque Gearing

fulfillment capabilities since 1994. In
2019 the Pyramid and Compass teams
joined together in Pyramid’s expanded
Cincinnati, OH campus. The combined
teams and technologies have now pro-
duced NEXUS.
“Matt he ws N E X U S Warehous e
Our gears support
Execution System dynamically bal-
ances work and synchronizes real-
some of the most
time resources to optimize how orders
flow through a facility,” shared Gary
advanced agencies
Cash, senior vice president and gen- on the planet.
eral manager for Matthews Automation
Solutions. “NEXUS provides the visi-
bility, flexibility and on-demand per-
formance companies need to meet the
growing volume and complexity of
ID GEARIN
omnichannel and ecommerce order IRO
fulfillment.”
SP

Consult an engineer today.

NEXUS uses real-time data and adap-
tive learning to continuously moni- (320) 762-7133
SpiroidGearing.com
OF

tor and adjust automated subsystems

NS

GE
throughout the day to maintain balanced AR SOLUTIO
operations based on rate and projected
ROBOTICS • AEROSPACE • DEFENSE • TRANSPORTATION • MEDICAL
workflow. Matthews’ new WES was also

12324 GT Print Jan/Feb21.indd 2 1/16/21 12:46 PM

May 2021 | GEAR TECHNOLOGY 21