It starts with a blank. But how does the workpiece get onto the line or into the machine? Depending on the state it is delivered in, this task can quickly become very complex. Reliable 3D object detection systems optically capture and evaluate data. Liebherr works with a variety of 3D vision systems to match the requirements and smoothly handles the supply of every randomly stored part with process precision.
Half a century of Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH means 50 years of commitment to the machinery and plant engineering industry. Gear technology originated in the technology of the revolving tower crane. Hans Liebherr wanted to buy a gear hobbing machine for gear manufacturing, but could not find what he wanted – so he simply built it himself. It’s a typical Liebherr story, since many sectors in the company group have emerged in this or in a similar way. Taking things into one’s own hands: an attitude that can still be found at Liebherr today.
Bauer Gear Motor operates two new LC 180 gear hobbing machines at its facility in Slovakia, producing gearing for all facilities. These machines are characterised by their operational versatility, given that they are used to produce around 180 different components in a very wide range of different sizes.
“The fire pump is the heart of every fire truck”, explains Michael Schöftner, Head of Mechanical Production at Rosenbauer International AG, the global leader for fire service equipment. The equipment has to withstand enormous loads in cases of operation. Rosenbauer relies on an automation solution for pump manufacturing from Liebherr. The rotary loading system RLS 800 from the Kempten-based automation experts has been deployed in Leonding near Linz for around two years now.
What challenges does Industry 4.0 present to companies and their apprentices? Liebherr is already working on the measures necessary for overcoming the technical obstacles of the future in order to train its own professionals.
Liebherr has met the needs of automation customers with the PHS Allround: The compact class for universal users has been in great demand. Alongside the current PHS 1500 Allround version, Liebherr has announced two more sizes - the 800 and 3000.
The first PHS 1500 Pro is at Herborner Pumpentechnik. Following an extension and machine change, the third expansion will start soon.
How do you get closer to the customer? For Liebherr the answer is simple: by increasing presence locally.
Weishaupt, headquartered in the Upper Swabian town of Schwendi, is a leading provider of burners, heat pumps, heating and condensing-boiler systems, energy recovery solutions, and facility automation. Since mid-2016 Weishaupt’s new burner casing production facility has operated using an automation solution provided by Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH.
After an upgrade, the universal LC 280 DC gear hobbing machine shines with improved operating comfort and technical refinements.
Rotary loading systems and bin picking, a robot system also referred to as pick and place, are a permanent feature in the Liebherr automation division. Together, they form a good team in automating inputs and outputs from production lines.
While we still have some way to go to achieve autonomous driving on the road, factories are miles ahead: AGVs (automatic guided vehicles) are already being used in the area of production.
