I wanted to take a moment to share what we are currently working on.
As always I listen to the feedback and questions that come in on different machines. We want to make things as simple and easy as is possible anyplace we can. We work with the manufactures in a way many do not as we take an active role in design and development. That means we can directly act on the feedback we receive to improve and evolve the machines.
One of the changes we have been working on for some time is to automate the setup of the Loewer machines. Rather than use a manual adjuster to raise and lower the abrasives we wanted a way to get the same even setup every time no matter the abrasives used. It proved to be a bit of a challenge. Working with the engineers in Germany at Loewer we found a way to make it a reality.
If you just push downward on a load cell or switch there are issues. With a soft abrasive or a brush with any type of bristle you fold over the abrasive and compress it before you get a reading. That sent the easy answer right out the window. After a lot of testing we have refined an automatic setup function that allows the setup with any abrasive. What will be coming is an automatic setup where you can fit any abrasive or brush you wish and then just push a button. The Loewer machines will then lower and set each abrasive motor to a real zero position. It allows full height setting on each abrasive so an old brush next to a new brush as an example is no problem. We will keep a manual setup function so there is coverage for a special case if needed as well.
:Software shown in beta:
To add the systems needed for the automatic calibration we have also installed a touch screen to act as the interface. This allows for all the standard controls as well as the new features. The operator fits the abrasives they need and presses "automatic" to start the process. It takes less than one minute to complete and they are ready to go. The machine then knows exactly where the feed belt is and will not let the operator go too far and damage the feed belt. The automatic setup will provide more consistency and make setup a simple task for anyone.
:Software shown in beta:
The machines with the automatic setup will become available late summer and there is going to be a limited supply for the next 12 months or so. It has required other changes and components to get a smooth reliable configuration. The initial test machines have been in the field and have allowed us to shake out any issues. It is going to provide a feature set other machines just do not have. It will also greatly reduce the time to setup as well as operator error. This will be a great step forward and will make running the Loewer machines even easier.
:Prototype machine shown:
This was to let you see that your feedback matters and is taken into account. Making the Loewer machines reliable and easy to use is a goal that never ends. We are always looking for new features and ways to make them even better. You will now have the option of choosing a manual or automatic configuration of the Loewer machines. If you have questions I am happy to answer what I can at the moment. If you are interested in securing one of these please do let us know as they will be limited.
Topics deburring machineSmall Part DeburringLoewer Deburring MachinesDisc MasterDiscmastermetal finishingAutomation