Gigantically flexible, gigantically accurate: 3D coordinate metrology in machine tool manufacture

The south of Germany regularly surpasses other German states in relation to patent applications. The first NC-controlled machining centre was also invented in the south of the Republic. Together with an American concern, Burkhardt+Weber in Reutlingen created this novelty in the 50s. The competence of Burkhardt+Weber these days is in the manufacture of accurate extra-large machining centres. Demanding extra-large accuracy is also required of the coordinate measuring machine Leitz PMM-F that assures the quality of large-volume machine components at Burkhardt+Weber.

Burkhardt+Weber is at home with these sizes. The machining centres are used on manufacturing sites in the commercial vehicle, printing press, packaging machine or large engine industries and tackle there, like in other sectors, all machining tasks. The reason for the high quality of the machining centres is, among others, the high level of vertical integration. During the manufacture of core components such as machining spindles or turntable housings, the organisation keeps everything in-house. Therefore coordinate metrology capable of meeting the requirements in Reutlingen and that can measure large machine components with high accuracy is also required.

There is also a need for highly accurate metrology due to another aspect of the strategy: „In 80% of the cases our customers buy a complete process from us, not just one product“, says Michael Wiedmaier, head of sales. „Often jigs and tools are included. These orders are accompanied by part-specific preliminary acceptances. We therefore manufacture a specific number of parts using the machining centre as a trial. Then the part must also be accurately measured here in-house to be able to provide the customer with appropriate verification...