In 2021, the first joint project between LiCON and Bosch Rexroth in Lohr was successfully implemented. A LiFLEX II 766 i³ DT B2 was used. The main requirement for the production of hydraulic valve housings is the accuracy of the control slider bore. To achieve this, both motor spindles are corrected independently and without reducing spindle stiffness in all three axes (X, Y, and Z) using LiCON i³ technology. Temperature sensors combined with appropriate algorithms reduce the influence on the positioning accuracy of the motor spindles during the machining process and lead to quick startup times. The LiFLEX system also scored points regarding flexibility: over a hundred different hydraulic valve variants are machined on the machine, with four workpieces per clamping.
With the compact design of the double spindle, space requirements were reduced while increasing output by 20 to 25 percent compared to the previous solution. Additionally, setup times were shortened and tool life increased. 'The LiCON team responded quickly and straightforwardly to short-term change requests during the project. Adjustments and additions could be implemented together promptly,' says Christof Janker, planner at Bosch Rexroth. 'Even during the ramp-up phase, the LiCON service provided excellent support for the commissioning,' adds Stefan Thesen, internal overall project manager from the Technical Functions and Investment Planning department at Bosch Rexroth.
Customers receive reliable support from their personal project manager as well as from the around-the-clock service hotline. 'For LiCON, comprehensive customer care is of utmost priority,' explains Jochen Hummel, project manager responsible for Bosch Rexroth.
In addition to the machining center itself, the integration of the pilot cell consisting of LiCON machine and Rexroth automation solution into the i4.0 system was an important part of the project. Automation and data collection play a central role for both companies in the future.
A significant step was taken with the intelligent networking of machines and processes using information and communication technology.
The constructive exchange between both companies then led in 2024 to a follow-up project with two additional manufacturing islands. This time, the current LiFLEX II 776 i³ PC B2 is used, featuring even faster tool changes, reduced auxiliary times, and increased dynamics.
Together with process optimization, the cycle time could be reduced by about 25 seconds (10%) per component. The LiCON ECO Plus mode and the hydraulic unit CytroPac developed by Rexroth are also part of the machines.
In both machines, LiCON again relies on hydraulic valves from Bosch Rexroth, which are manufactured on LiCON machining centers. These valves are characterized by their high reliability. The additionally used proportional valves ensure the final touch of component quality through their finely adjustable pressure over the respective machining program.
Contact:
