Robo2Go Automation Solutions for productive Multi-Machine Operation
Since its foundation in 1979, ITH GmbH & Co. KG from Meschede has developed to become the world’s leading supplier of bolt tensioning technology for thread sizes from M16 upwards. The range of products and services includes hydraulic bolt tensioning tools, torque wrenches and fasteners plus in particular customer-oriented engineering and service – for customers in the power generation and machinery, and plant engineering sectors among others.
With over 13 subsidiaries and more than 30 agencies, ITH guarantees proximity to the customer and fast service. Since its beginnings, the company has trusted in machine tool technology from DMG MORI. It currently has several dozen turning machines and machining centers in operation. In 2017, 2019 and 2020 the company installed three Robo2Go solutions, which enable the autonomous manufacture of medium batch sizes.
Innovation, service and comprehensive training as a corporate philosophy
Innovations have characterized ITH bolt tensioning technology from the word go. Even the founder Hans Hohmann proved a pioneer of tensioning processes with his introduction of hydraulic friction and torsion- free pre-tensioning. ITH bolt tensioning tools are still based on this stretch method even today, a sector in which the company is the worldwide market leader. The technology approach of ITH is consistently pursued by his sons Frank and Jörg Hohmann, both mechanical engineers. “We see ourselves as engineering service providers who develop optimal solutions for our customers”, says Frank Hohmann.
The new company headquarters in Meschede, which the company moved into in 2016, offers ample space to expand capacity if necessary while its high training throughput and its in-house further education for continuously upgrading staff qualifications meet its need for specialist expertize. Jörg Hohmann is in charge of production and knows all too well: “We work with the latest manufacturing technologies, whose potential can only be exploited to the full by experienced specialists.”
The right DMG MORI technology at every stage of evolution
ITH regularly goes through new stages of evolution in production: early NC lathes, twin-spindle turning, 5-axis milling, turnmill technology and automation solutions. “We almost always find an optimal solution in the extensive DMG MORI machine portfolio – both where machines are concerned and on the automation side”, claims Jörg Hohmann. ITH introduced automation in turning with the first Robo2Go on a CTX beta 800.
Robo2Go: Simple teach-in programming with predefined modules in < 15 min
There are now three Robo2Go’s that produce precision ITH components. Jörg Hohmann was particularly impressed with the simple teaching process of the latest robot generation via predefined program modules: “Its user-friendly operation minimizes setup times to less than 15 minutes so the automation can run unattended for long periods.” The Robo2Go is designed for chuck parts up to ø 170 mm and 250 mm in length and shaft parts of ø 150 × 950 mm maximum size. A guarding-free system with laser scanning of the working radius offers both the necessary safety as well as ergonomic access to the machine.
High-precision turning and sophisticated 6-sided complete machining
ITH produces threaded parts on its most recently installed CTX 2500 SY | 1250 (V6) – also with Robo2Go. The gain in productivity is dramatic, because the turning center is equipped with a counter-spindle, is extremely stable and has an 80-bar internal coolant supply. “This enables reliable and accurate machining of deep holes”, explains Jörg Hohmann. Frank Hohmann highlights complete machining: “In this way we prevent the ”tourism of parts”, with several machining steps on different machines.”
Healthy growth with productive manufacturing solutions
ITH has a vertical integration of over 90 percent. “This is the only way we can offer our customers such a high level of customization”, explains Frank Hohmann. The brothers look optimistically to the future. We have our various customer sectors to thank for such optimism, says Jörg Hohmann: “We supply to relatively crisis- proof industries, together with which we intend to achieve healthy growth.” As a result, the company is continuously looking for ever more efficient manufacturing solutions in production in order to remain competitive.
ITH GmbH & Co. KG
Steinwiese 8
59872 Meschede
Germany
www.ith.de