„Successful introduction to NC technology“

Patterer: Highly efficient production of complex stainless steel cable holders for control cabinets

Patterer GmbH recently entered the world of Bihler servo technology with a new LM 2000-NC. The system greatly reduces the time and effort involved in production compared to mechanical Bihler systems, is able to run with adapted linear tools and is extremely efficient during operation even when manufacturing short runs thanks to the dramatically shortened setup times.

Continuous further development combined with constant improvement – that is the key to the success of Patterer GmbH, which was founded in Rieden am Forggensee in 1991. The recently concluded two-year modernization project perfectly embodies this desire for improvement. It comprised the construction of new office and production spaces, extended use of digital production and the expansion and modernization of the machine pool. This naturally also applies to the existing Bihler stamping-and-bending machines, which include a GRM 80, a number of MC 42, RM 35 and RM 40 machines and a B 1000 welding system. “Even though we have regularly upgraded and modernized our existing Bihler systems, production was nevertheless still labor- and time-intensive. That is why we decided to invest wholeheartedly in Bihler servo technology and acquired a LM 2000-NC,” explains Managing Director Markus Egger.

The simplicity of digital setups

“For us, the deciding factor was the ability to adjust the cam sequences digitally without constantly having to produce new disk cams,” continues Egger. “The shorter sampling times and, in particular, the ability to set up small and medium-sized series quickly also encouraged us in our decision.” And, indeed, the setup time at the new LM 2000-NC is just about one hour, whereas in the past it used to take between half and one day.

Flexible extensions to production

Another important consideration was the possibility of extending production to other Bihler systems. “If the production volumes were to increase, we could move over from our LM 2000-NC to a cam-controlled LM 2000 KT without the slightest difficulty,” explains the Managing Director. “And if additional value-added processes are required, for example if a customer wants us to manufacture complete assemblies, then we can simply switch production to a BIMERIC – without having to make any major changes to the tools.”

Adapted linear tool

Production is currently only just starting up on the new LM 2000-NC and an adapted version of an existing tool is being used. The machine is being used to manufacture stainless steel cable brackets for switchgear cabinets and other electrical installations. As Egger points out: “These are complex parts with a large number of bends that are ideal for linear machining on the LM 2000-NC.” The strip is stamped and bended in the machine prior to the thread-tapping and cutting operations. Throughput is running at approximately 80 finished parts per minute.