More process stability

“Precision in all areas is our goal,”

is the motto of Jörg Becker, managing partner of GROTE + Brocksieper GmbH + Co. KG from Kierspe.

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He knows what he's talking about, because the production of complex plastic parts such as gears requires the highest quality and precision. By purchasing a computer tomograph (CT) from WENZEL, in addition to measuring and testing the components quickly and precisely, it is now also possible to take a look at the interior of the workpieces without destroying them.

GROTE + BROCKSIEPER GmbH + Co. KG is a manufacturer of injection molding tools and technical plastic parts. As a supplier to many industrial sectors — automotive and bicycle industries, aerosol and pump industries, household and furniture industries, medical technology and the electrical and electronics industry as well as the construction sector — the company has extensive know-how in processing a wide variety of thermoplastics, from standard to high-tech plastics. Since last year, a variety of products have been used for quality control with the help of the new computer tomograph eXact S evaluated by WENZEL.

In the early stages of product development, advice and preparation of quality assurance criteria is of great importance at GROTE + BROCKSIEPER. Critical measurement part features are compiled using informative initial sample test reports and graphics and compared with 3D models and construction drawings. This requires the use of suitable measuring devices within process and quality control. The use of WENZEL's eXact S computer tomograph is an important component in the process chain and now ensures greater process stability.

Among other things, the computer tomograph provides assistance in controlling the compensation of shrinkage and warpage, an omnipresent topic in mold and tool making. This effect is particularly evident in complex plastic components with high accuracy requirements. The precision and repeatability of the injection molding machines used at GROTE + BROCKSIEPER makes it possible to make targeted corrections to the injection molding tools manufactured in our own tool shop as part of the sampling process. The prerequisite is that these are verified non-destructively using computed tomography. In this way, the desired dimensional accuracy of the component can be achieved with fewer correction loops, which results in considerable cost and time savings.

Before that, tactile measurement was carried out using external service providers. According to GROTE + BROCKSIEPER, there are only a few certified measurement institutes in Germany that can measure, for example, delicate gear geometries with tolerances of up to 0.03 mm and high requirements for concentricity accuracy. The decision makers therefore set out to find a measurement solution to be able to map the entire process chain autonomously, from the design and manufacture of the injection molding tool to series approval. “Ultimately, this enables us to shorten the phases between initial sampling, tool correction grinding and the start of series production,” says Jörg Becker.

“Ultimately, this enables us to shorten the phases between initial sampling, tool correction grinding and the start of series production.”

Contact with WENZEL came about through their plant representative for North Rhine-Westphalia, Klostermann Ingenieurbüro und Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH from Remscheid, who have been working trustingly with GROTE + BROCKSIEPER for many years. “During the entire project phase, we were able to exchange ideas with sales and application technology at a high frequency. Questions were answered immediately and substantiated with technical support. We were also impressed by the synergy effects of the computer tomograph with the evaluation options offered by the GearPro gear software from OGP,” explains Technical Director Fabian Crummenerl.

“Due to the long-standing cooperation with GROTE + BROCKSIEPER, which also purchased the multi-sensor measuring machines from us a few years ago, we were involved in the decision-making process very early on and finally received the order package, consisting of a computer tomograph, gear software and a training volume of 28 days,” says Christian Klostermann. “When looking for a provider of CT systems, we of course also visited other manufacturers in addition to Wenzel,” explains Fabian Crummenerl. “What was remarkable about WENZEL was that there was a trusting basis for discussion right from the start and everything that was presented technically during our visit and communicated and confirmed commercially proved to be binding in retrospect. Our purchase decision was confirmed and proven to be correct after several months of use.”

They were also impressed by the high level of vertical integration that GROTE + BROCKSIEPER was able to see at WENZEL. Jörg Becker explains: “The potential of a mechanical engineer with more than 50 years of expertise is also reflected in many components of our CT system. Hard stone processing, precision turntables and the generally high-quality workmanship were convincing.”