02/2011 Durchstellmaschine developed To expand our manufacturing department, our engineers have developed a Durchstellmaschine which takes the strain off the press department during lengthy coordination work and increases the quality of Durchstellungen in drawn parts.   10/2010 Tool measurement system from Zoller The high-accuracy optical tool measurement system from Zoller enables tools to be inspected and measured before and after use (for example: tool length, radius, concentricity, tool geometry). This enables us to make the 'machining' processing step in the machining centres more reliable and economical.   09/2010 WWS at the IAA for Commercial Vehicles With 1,751 exhibitors from 43 countries, the IAA is the world's most important trade fair for mobility, logistics and transport. According to the trade fair organisers, it was very apparent that the industry is recovering from the 2009 crisis. Technological trends were set at the trade fair. Transporters and buses are clearly moving towards alternative drives: hybrid, electric and fuel cell. Manufacturers of heavy goods vehicles, meanwhile, are looking to further optimise diesel models. 05/2010 Final inspection working group In order to increase the quality standard and customer satisfaction at WWS Metallformen a final inspection working group was set up in May with the task of checking all parts and assemblies and introducing countermeasures where necessary. The aim is to employ specially trained employees and final controls to continue our work on avoiding errors and to increase the performance of our production. The final inspection group answers to our quality assurance department and its tasks are scheduled on a daily basis.   01/2010: Rollout of a new ERP software programme In order to meet the ever-growing requirements in the field of documentation and order processing, we're converting our ERP system. We've teamed up with a regional provider whose product has won the innovation prize for ERP systems several times over. The application is specially adapted to the requirements and business processes of small and medium-sized companies. Various modules support all conceivable processes, making end-to-end order tracking possible. Modern web technologies make the programme easy to use through browser-oriented interfaces.   08/2009: WWS defies the industry crisis WWS refuses to be intimidated by the industry crisis and is taking on two new trainees (m/f) (machine and plant operator). For 2010 we are planning a cooperative training programme with Daimler Wörth. Within this programme, we will once again be offering an apprenticeship for a tool mechanic (m/f).   02/2009: WWS expands laser cutting capacities WWS has expanded its laser cutting capacities by installing a fourth laser. The laser, made by Trumpf in Ditzingen, ensures even faster production times. The technical specifications: Model TruLaserCell 7040 with 5 axes Stationary work table 2 x 2000 x 1500 mm Dual-station mode Dynamic processing head 155 mm Additional cutting gas: argon Protective cabin with automatic door Workpiece counter Extraction with extinguishing device Source: Trumpf 12/2008: New welding robot for greater efficiency WWS invests in a new welding robot from Reis. The device cuts unit costs while maintaining the same level of quality. A neighbouring hall has been rented for the system and it now also houses the existing welding and grinding department. The RVL20-16 vertical articulated arm robot is equipped with low backlash gears on all axes and a highly dynamic, brushless AC servo drive. The drive guarantees fast response times. The optimised mechanics enable the robot to achieve very high axis speeds while delivering dynamic performance and repeatability in complex movements. The two tilt-turn modules are arranged at an angle of 120 degrees to one another. With the help of the additional axis transformation, the peripheral axes can be moved synchronously with the robot in rail-mounted operation. This ensures that the welding torch moves at a constant speed. The tilt-turn module puts the components in an optimum position for the robot. This arrangement has the advantage of allowing welding to take place in one station while parts can be removed or inserted in the other. The technical specifications: Welding of components up to 1200 mm long, 800 mm wide and with a sheet thickness of up to 4 mm Max. weight per component: 200 kg Materials: steel, stainless steel, aluminium Welding procedures: CMT, WIG, MAG The robot has six axes and is also aligned with two tilt-turn modules which can bear loads of up to 500 kg. Source: S+B 05/2008: WWS takes contactless measurements WWS invests in the latest generation of measuring technology, replacing its mechanical measuring arm with a contactless "Platinum Arm" from FARO Europe, which measures using laser beams. The FARO LaserLine Probe Rev 2 is perfectly suited for CAD comparisons, rapid prototyping, reverse engineering and 3D modelling. The wireless connection with a FARO 7-axis measuring arm combines contactless scanning and tactile measuring in a single device. The technical specifications: Measuring volume: from 2.4 m and 7 axes Single-point accuracy: +/- 0.030 mm Source: Faro