On the way to digitalization: Specialist in coupling systems decides on TDM Global Line

So far, around 4000 items and several tool assemblies have been created. Manual data creation was mainly supported by the TDM WebCatalog which offers the tools of several manufacturers as an online catalog to be downloaded. The created items are then linked with production-relevant data and created as master data. The Lüdecke team sees a significant gain in the 3D-Solid-Editor for preparing 3D tool graphics, which has been part of the Global Line scope of applications since its main release in 2020. Quick and easy processing of 3D data is particularly helpful and accelerates the creation of tool items.

Right from the start, Lüdecke GmbH had clear ideas of the processes and areas of application that Global Line would support and improve. "Global Line will support us in the future with tool and program management, in daily shopfloor supply and in the ordering process. The interface to the presetting device also makes the measurement of individual tool assemblies and tool lists easier, consequently shortening the setup process," explains Peter Eckl. Previously, crib management, tool assembly and presetting were manually coordinated at the beginning  of the order by setup staff and machine users. However, this required too much time, and data and production-relevant information were also often missing.

More automation in tool preparation

The objective is now to establish an automated process of tool preparation from stock removal to the setup process. Peter Eckl explains the procedure as follows: "The tool lists are the central medium with which we automate the process. Tools are taken from the warehouse, pre-assembled and measured . The presetting device is connected to TDM Global Line and there is an exchange of the planned nominal  data and the actual measured data. Our objective is to have all tool assemblies available before the start of the production order. We have now shifted the presetting process before the setup process. This makes the entire process easier, and we significantly reduce the potential for errors."

Highlights of current release leave customers thrilled

We were able to win Peter Eckl's team as a ramp-up customer for the 2020 main release. Ramp-up customers receive a new release in advance and test it thoroughly under real conditions. Further developments and improvements are particularly scrutinized here. After a successful ramp-up phase, users from Lüdecke were also in agreement about which innovations impressed them the most. These were the visually revised classification, the advanced search for items and tool assemblies that enables a quick search within the entire Global Line application, and the new NC program management and 3D-Solid Editor.