UNMANNED CYLINDRICAL GRINDING PROCESSES FOR SMALL SERIES

The internationally operating MPS Micro Precision Systems AG (MPS) consistently uses grinding processes for demanding high-precision components in IT02 tolerance ranges. The case study highlights future projects and prototypes that can be brought to market more quickly thanks to a flexible production cell.

- Fritz Studer AG

MPS, employing a staff of more than 400 employees, is a ‘hidden champion’ of a special kind. Back in 1969, RMB (Roulements Miniatures Bienne SA), from which MPS originated, developed components for the Apollo Mission. With 250 employees, Biel is the MPS Group’s largest site and has more than 140 turning, milling, grinding, polishing and eroding machines.

CONSISTENT INVESTMENTS IN GRINDING MACHINES

Michael Bazzan, Production Manager, MPS, said, “With seven Studer grinding machines, we currently have a high grinding capacity for producing high-precision components. The grinding machines are matched to our varying lot size spectrum, which ranges from individual component production up to 25,000 pieces per year for some references.”

In accordance with the lot size spectrum, three of the seven Studer machines are currently equipped with an automatic loading system. The following focuses on the Studer S33 for the production of recirculating ball screws and a Studer S21 in the area of a flexible production cell (Flex Cell).

FLEXIBLE PRODUCTION CELL FOR PROTOTYPE MANUFACTURE