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Linear Motion Technology

High-precision milling, simple automation

Web Editorial Team | Editor
Web Editorial Team Editor
09/10/2024 7 min

LANG engraving machines mill the finest structures into embossing dies for coins, toys, and huge vehicle tires. How does the hidden champion improve its competitive position for the long term? With, among other things, the integrated measuring system IMS, electromechanical cylinders EMC and many other Rexroth components from linear and automation technology.

For thousands of years, people have embossed objects to make them unmistakable and forgery-proof. To create the intricate structures on the dies of modern coins, car tires or toys, the highest precision is required – from the linear motion technology as well as from the associated drives and controls.

Established over 50 years ago in Hüttenberg, Hesse, the machine tool manufacturer LANG GmbH & Co. KG is an expert in the precision machining of stamping and embossing dies and is considered the global market leader in many areas. In addition to the automotive, coin and toy industries, LANG precision machines can also be found in wafer production, microscopy and the printing and packaging industries.

Linear motion technology, drives and controls from a single source.

Some milling bits measure just three hundredths of a millimeter and are fed in the hundredth of a millimeter range for fine machining. The precision requirements for the linear, drive and control technology used are correspondingly high. The more that comes from a single source, the better, says Head of Design Marcus Boller:

The cross-technology collaboration with Bosch Rexroth not only brings benefits in terms of purchasing. The intensive advice and support in engineering also has a positive effect on the user-friendliness of the machines.

Compact precision machine LANG Impala 400express

Integrated measuring is more economical.

By expanding the previous cooperation in the areas of drive and CNC control technology, LANG gained access to innovative linear motion technology solutions such as the integrated measuring system IMS. The integrated solution for guiding and measuring is comparably accurate to glass scales, but significantly more robust and cost-effective. Among other things, this meant LANG was able to increase the efficiency of the newly developed Impala 400express milling and engraving machine. The IMS achieves a repeatability of ± 0.25 µm, the accuracy of the measuring scale is ± 3 µm/m. In contrast to glass scales, however, chips, lubricants and other sources of contamination do not restrict the function. A further welcome benefit is that installation is much simpler and energy efficiency is higher without sealing air.

Cleverly combined: profiled rail system powered by a linear motor.

LANG also uses ball and roller rail systems in combination with Rexroth linear motors as further components from the extensive Rexroth range. For example, in the Impala 400SL milling machine series, which is primarily used in the coin and miniature sector, where it achieves repeat accuracies in the µm range.

Turntable of LGR-S machine series

Workpiece handling with electromechanical actuator

In the area of actuators, Bosch Rexroth supports automated workpiece handling, among other things. The high-precision LGR-S machine series, which engraves 2D and 3D data into heavy side panel molds for large commercial vehicles, uses an electromechanical cylinder EMC with a matching drive package. The linear axis positions the turntable with high precision to accommodate molds up to 2.3 meters in size.

Electromechanical cylinder and small modules SMS

Rapid commissioning, easy mounting

Such mechatronic subsystems can also be put into operation quickly: At Bosch Rexroth, axis system parameter data from electromechanical cylinders, linear axes and multi-axis systems can be transferred from the motor encoder data memory to the motor drive controller at the click of a mouse. The stored drive data is determined from the axis system parameters and automatically adopted. Further time savings during installation and servicing result from the simple alignment of the guide rails, cover strips for clipping and the simple replacement of runner blocks.

Time gained in engineering.

The fact that Bosch Rexroth is also deeply involved in the development pays off in the selection, design and configuration of the drives and motors, among other things. Because maximum precision can only be achieved if the mass inertia ratios are exactly right, emphasizes Marcus Boller. The finely tuned linear motion technology portfolio and the open and honest exchange make it easy to find the optimum solution for every application.

Long-term improvements

In addition to commercial aspects and delivery quality, the extended cooperation with Bosch Rexroth has also improved product quality over the long term. “The guides are so robust that they can remain in use for decades,” says the design manager. “It is also important to us that the supply of spare parts is guaranteed and that even outdated drive technology can be repaired for a long time to come.”

LANG has now equipped almost all of its machine series with linear guides and drive packages from Bosch Rexroth. On the control side, Marcus Boller appreciates the open interfaces that allow the self-programmed control software to intervene as deeply as possible. “Here too, we find good solutions in Bosch Rexroth’s comprehensive automation portfolio to further consolidate and expand our market position.”

Service-friendly machine tools with greater precision, modularity, and efficiency? Interested?

To our linear motion technology tips
Thomas Ils, Account Development Manager Central Europe Sales Linear Motion Technology, Bosch Rexroth AG

Author: Thomas Ils

Position: Account Development Manager Central Europe Sales Linear Motion Technology, Bosch Rexroth AG

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