hp tooling 2020 #1

machining center
Liechti Engineering drives efficiency
in turbine blade
Manufacturing with automated adaptive
milling technology and new minimal-quantity
lubrication process
A historic and global ramp-up in aerospace
component production is underway, and turbine
blade manufacturers are under pressure to keep
pace while maintaining absolutely flawless quality
and highest efficiency. As a GF Machining
Solutions brand and the worldwide leader in fiveaxis
airfoil machining solutions for aerospace and
power generation industry turbine manufacturing,
Switzerland-based Liechti Engineering continues
to push technological boundaries with its
automated adaptive blade Milling technology and
its recently benchmarked minimal quantity lubrication
(MQL) concept.
Automated adaptive blade Milling is just one of the many
areas where Liechti Engineering adds value for manufacturers
of high-value aerospace components: while adaptive
Milling is nothing new, the autonomy that Liechti brings
to the table is a true game changer. With its automated
adaptive blade Milling, the workpiece is measured in the
machine and the TURBOSOFT computer-aided manufacturing
(CAM) software generates and optimizes the
tool path. As a result, the Milling machine automatically
begins to machine the blade - no human interaction required
- at highest productivity and quality.
This premium solution, which is fully integrable with
flexible manufacturing systems (FMS), represents a major
stride forward for blade manufacturers made possible by
Liechti’s established airfoil machining expertise and its
TURBOSOFT CAD/CAM software. The automated adaptive
blade Milling technology innovated by Liechti saves time,
boosts productivity, and takes human error out of the
machining equation - all of which have a significantly positive
impact on efficiency.
MQL processing
At the same time, Liechti’s innovative MQL processing has
been recently benchmarked at Blaser Swisslube, an internationally
active developer and producer of high-quality
metalworking fluids, based in Hasle-Rüegsau, Switzerland.
In collaboration with Blaser Swisslube and Solothurn,
Switzerland-based machining specialist Walter AG, Liechti
proved that its MQL concept optimizes the Milling of
steel turbine blades and takes machining efficiency to a
new level.
MQL takes a small amount of lubricant through the spindle
on the cutting tool - right where it’s needed - so there
is no loss of efficiency. In one portion of the benchmarking
at Blaser Swisslube, MQL proved its added value in the
machining of X20 chrome steel blocks, demon strating
both reduced flank wear and very good surface finishing.
In additional testing carried out at Liechti Engineering in
Langnau, Switzerland, a Liechti Turbomill 1400i was used
to process hard-to-machine X20 chrome steel - a true test
of the MQL process. The conclusion: thanks to MQL processing,
cutting edge wear was reduced and tool life was
extended. In fact, tests showed that polishing with MQL
can reduce tool wear by up to five times compared to standard
metalworking fluid.
All cooling methods have their advantages and disadvantages,
and that’s where MQL offers even more gamechanging
potential: by having both metalworking fluid
and MQL at their disposal, blade manufacturers have
greater flexibility because they have the right process for
any material or challenge that comes their way.
All Liechti machines currently in the field can be retrofitted
with MQL and this success-triggering innovation
can be integrated into new Liechti machines as well.
GrindTec 2020, hall 2, booth 2026
further information: www.gfms.com
54 no. 1, 2020, March