Our new flagship "imo-flex"

Individual parts and small batches are produced on standard BAZ or multi-spindle machines, very large batches on rotary transfer machines. So far, so clear. But the agony of choosing the right concept is constantly increasing, especially for batch sizes between 10 000 and 750 000.

We at imoberdorf AG now offer the solution with our new flagship, the "imo-flex". With three autonomous units, we ensure 2.2 times higher productivity compared to standard machining centres. If the required number of workpieces rises from a few hundred to several thousand and into the tens of thousands, then it often requires several machining centres that all produce the same thing. Each machine is at the same time a process that must be monitored - with an operator and a relatively large space requirement.
relatively large space requirement. With the patent-pending imo-flex, you now have an alternative to several identical standard machines.

The imo-flex with its up to three autonomous machining units also massively reduces non-productive time. Machining operations are carried out in parallel and tool change times as well as loading and unloading operations are removed from the main process, so that practically no additional time needs to be taken up. Here we rely on our Swiss precision and its proven kinematics from our decades-old product portfolio, the well-known rotary transfer machines (imo-compact, -smart,
-space). This means identical machining units (X, Y and Z axes), identical rotary axes (B axis), identical machining spindles and identical workpiece clamping systems. This leads to an identical tool design, the same cutting parameters and the same workpiece quality as on an imo rotary transfer machine. This in turn means that all the process experience gained on the imo-flex can be transferred to the imo rotary transfer machines and vice versa.

Various practicable ways to complete machining
As is generally known, one tries to produce the workpieces on a rotary transfer machine as completely as possible. This is often possible on the imo-flex. However, it is also possible to divide the machining steps between two imo-flex machines; in this case, for example, machining step 1 is carried out on the first machine (OP10) and machining step 2 on the second machine (OP20).
(OP20). It may also be appropriate to perform all roughing operations on the first imo-flex and then those of finishing on the second. The new concept also offers the possibility of scaling production: For a small number of pieces, complete machining on one imo-flex; for a larger number, OP10 and OP20 are then divided between two machines. In addition to the 3-by-10 tools directly attached to the machining units, the system also offers an optional chain tool changer with 50 places to enable quick changeovers or "ghost shifts" with sister tools. A fully equipped imo-flex thus offers space for up to 80 tools.