Already ahead of the event, organisers were aware of the expected number of visitors and an international response to WerkTage 2014. However, none of them had anticipated that they would be welcoming more than 800 guests from 20 different countries. With a share of more than 60%, the majority of visitors still came from Germany, followed by guests from Switzerland, Portugal, Spain and the US. Just as diverse as the nationalities of visitors to Nürtingen were the branches of industries interested in economically viable manufacturing solutions, including representatives from the automotive industry and its suppliers, machine builders, mould and die manufactures through to aerospace companies. This year for the first time, HELLER organised moderated panel discussions in order to respond to the mix of requirements. These also provided an opportunity to focus on a number of decisive questions: implementation in practical application or the questions of why, when or which solutions are chosen and how these strategies are transferable to other fields. Volker Schmitt, Head of Industrial Engineering Manufacturing at Linde Hydraulics GmbH in Aschaffenburg, for instance, illustrated cost-effective manufacturing of special cylinder blocks for axial piston pumps through use of a 5-axis machining centre. The following day, Walter Kreidler, Managing Director of Kreidler GmbH & Co. KG in Horb, answered questions on the importance of precision and reliability for a safe ramp-up of production. Precision, especially in the machining of aluminium die cast intermediate casings, was also in the focus of the discussion with Karl Semmelmann, Head of Engineering and Development at MDS-Abele GmbH & Co. KG in Mühlacker.

Efficient and cost-effective implementation of these requirements in practical application was illustrated by means of a parallel demonstration on seven machining centres, machining a diverse range of components and meeting a wide variety of requirements. An out-facing head solution and trochoidal milling, universal application using oversized tools and boring in all its facets, for instance, were presented on the 4-axis machining centres from the H series. The 5-axis machining centres from the F series were the focal points in terms of 5-axis machining. Model FP 4000 demonstrated high precision with in-process gauging and 5-axis machining from 6 sides, whilst model FT 4000 showcased strategic 5-axis simultaneous machining. Additionally, HELLER cycles and combined mill/turning operations were demonstrated on 5-axis machining centre model CP 8000. With numerous new developments and further enhancements in the areas machines, technology and process, HELLER presented the full spectrum of productivity in Nürtingen. This also included HELLER CBC (CylinderBoreCoating). With CBC HELLER expands the process chain in crankcase manufacturing with a process outside of traditional machining.

Insights, transparency, perspectives

In addition to topics focusing on machining, HELLER also welcomed renowned process chain suppliers to the 2014 event. In particular automation manufacturers KUKA, SCHULER, GÜDEL, LIEBHERR, RILE and FASTEMS provided information about solutions for stand-alone machines and linked machining centres. Additionally, the perfect symbiosis of a virtual and transparent machine provided in-depth insights. HELLER showcased a transparent machine model FP 4000, illustrating the quality of the machine structure, whilst virtual machining revealed the possibilities for optimising the process chain from the idea to the finished part. The programme was rounded off with a presentation of the complete portfolio of HELLER Services and our partner WENZLER, attractive financing solutions and a comprehensive exhibition of workpieces and finished products of numerous HELLER customers.

As during previous editions, HELLER WerkTage 2014 also provided an opportunity to visit Plants 1 and 2. In addition to insights into manufacturing, sub-assembly installation, final assembly and vocational training, visitors had a chance to learn more about the assembly of crankshaft machines, large-part manufacturing and retrofitting “Made by HELLER”.

Already in 2013, organisers at HELLER were confident that the 2014 event would again be a meeting place for experts in step with actual practice. The exchange of experiences and the technologies in focus contributed to fulfilling these expectations. Another important factor in the event's success was the participation of partner companies and market leaders from the automation industry, suppliers of measurement and inspection equipment and clamping fixture providers, providing the relevant technology competence. They were able to present a wide range of possibilities for realising manufacturing solutions for a broad spectrum of components and workpieces.