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Drilling Machine DrillMate 2212 CNC - Frequently asked Questions
On these pages you will find frequently asked questions with answers belonging to about our drilling machine DrillMate 2212 CNC. Leaf thru the questions or choose one of the following categories:
Questions about the technical outfit
Questions about processing of materials
Questions about the software
Questions about efficiency
Other questions
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Which kind of tools are included in the scope of supply of the machine? |
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The machine is shipped with a standard drill at users choice |
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How are the tools to be changed? |
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The machine has no automatic tool changer. Tools have to be changed manually. |
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Will the tools be lubricated automatically? |
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No, the drills will be used dry. The expected lifetime is about 20% less than with an automatic lubrication system but still much higher compared to a hand driven tool. Besides that a finished mounting-plate does not have to be cleaned after processing. |
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What are the system requirements for the machine? |
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To use the supplied CAD- and control applications a usual standard PC system under Windows 32-bit operating system is required (recommendation : Pentium 3/4, 128 MB. RAM, 17" monitor). If you use it on a network or on more than one system it should have a suitable network adaptor to transfer files. |
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Are there any special tools needed? |
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No. All drills are standard tools (DIN-type short machine drills) - you can order them by catalogue and they are available through many sources. |
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Is it possible for the tools to drive into the plastic distance bolts on the workpiece seat? |
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In principle the plastic bolts are expendable parts. Drilling into them is usual and unproblematic. Since the bolts are only needed for supporting the workpieces from behind they are still usable if 1 square millimeter is left undamaged. Wastage can be prevented by the preview function (bolts can be moved to a different position). |
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Does the machine need compressd air? |
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No. |
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Which SPC and motive power engineering is used within the Steinhauer drilling machine? |
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The machine is operated by a Lenze SPC with maintenance-free stepper motors . |
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Which materials can be processed on this machine? |
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The machine can process all materials which are common to the switch cabinet craft, like steel, stainless steel, special steel, iron, aluminium, glas fiber reinforced plastic, plastic and other materials. Depending on the material it will automatically work with different forward- and rotational speeds. |
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Will the machine remove burr automatically? |
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No. The small arising of burr has to be removed manually, f.i. with a 3-edge scraper. |
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We need more than one software workstation. Is this possible and how much does it cost? |
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It is possible and the costs are really low. Our software base is AutoSketch, a CAD software for something around 150 €. Together with the machine you will get the first license and our extensive symbol- and component libraries. You may copy these libraries freely and use them on as many systems in your company as you like. All you will need are additional AutoSketch licenses. |
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Can we use the software on a network? |
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The AutoSketch CAD-software, like most other CAD software, must be installed on the local PC, but you can install the libraries and the drawings on a network server and use them from as many PCs as you like. |
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Is it it possible to connect the machine's software to a cable confection system? |
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Yes. We provide approved interfaces for all major cable confection systems. |
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Are the symbol and component libraries extendable? |
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Of course they are. You can create new symbols using AutoSketch and new database entries using our comfortable component generator (in the scope of supply of the machine). |
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Which databases are you using for the component libraries? |
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We are using open standard databases from the Microsoft Office suite (i.e.: MS-Access, MS-Excel). The user can access these database directly to change component-, tool- or geometrical data. Alternatively one can use other databases, like SQL-databases from PPS-systems. |
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Can we use the machine with another E-CAD software? |
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Sure. Our postprocessor (the software which converts the CAD-data to a control programme for the SPC) can cope with any E-CAD software suitable for CNC-manufactury. In this case the other E-CAD software will replace our AutoSketch solution. You can even use a PPS system and replace our standard components database with it.
We would be pleased to show you all connected planning phases of your customer-orders: Our software enables you to make all the drawings of mounting plates, doors or other components of the switch case and use named components from your preferred E-CAD (like EPLAN etc.) application's part-list.
The typical way through your company's departments will be supported by the STEINHAUER software:
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The electrical drawings with named components will be made in the construction office with the application you are used to (like EPLAN).
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The workshop receives the drawings and changes them according to the needs of the workshop. An additional drillhole here, an over-current cut-out there - just as necessary.
The resulting data will be used seamless for the drilling machine.
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After finishing the job in the workshop the modified drawing data will be returned to the construction office electronically for being merged with the other data for a complete customers documentation.
You will receive a software system which will enable you to fulfill all your duties without gaps and very user friendly. None of our competitors meets this perfection in CAE production. |
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In which languages is the Steinhauer software available? |
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At the time being the Steinhauer software (Postprocessor and Control-desktop) is available in German, English and Dutch language. Other language versions can easily be realized. The CAD software AutoSketch is available in German, English and French language. |
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From what quantities will the machine to be used efficiently? |
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If we use a financing model with 84 month term and calculate with selfcosts for a qualified craftsman of 28,- € per hour the machine will be cost-efficient from 3 fields (or mounting plates) per month. The additional possibility of machining outer case components like doors, roofs or side panels improves the efficiancy dramatically. |
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What are the tool life times and costs expectable? |
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The service life of the tools depends on the type and thickness of material (steel, special steel or synthetics). At regular use one drill will last up to 3,500 and 4,000 drilled holes. By means of tool optimization and automated driving the endurance of tools is much higher than in any way of manual processings. The average price of a suitable short twist drill is, depending on the diameter, between 3-16 €. |
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Are there any efficiency aspects not taken into consideration in the efficiency calculation? |
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Yes, plenty. Let's start with the fact, that qualified specialists for switchcase manufacture have to drill holes, cut threads and cutouts by hand, which is expensive. The whole locksmithery, which is an unpleasant experience for humans, can be taken care of by the machine. Besides that all manual processes with hand tools are extremely noisy, unhealthy and demotivating, especially for employees who have to do concentrated work nearby.
Another aspect is the reduction of stockholding- and financing costs for material to be used within the switchcase cabinet. Planing a mounting plate often means to place all the components on it, arranging them manually. They have to be in stock to do that. Using our software you don't have to have one piece in stock. The last aspect is the reduction of human mistakes. |
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What is the maintenance schedule? |
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Except for cyclic (3-monthly) greasing and daily cleaning of the machine there are no other maintenance needs. All drives are maintenance-free. |
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Are you the manufacturer of the machine? |
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Yes. Steinhauer Electromachines AG developed and manufactures it in Germany. |
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Isn't noise a big problem of the machine? |
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No. The reduction of noise was the central aspect during design state. All work processes of the machine are significantly quiet compared to hand tools and to other competitive products with the same functionality. One can work without ear protection and problems in the direct vicinity of the machine. The maximum noise-emission of the machine according to DIN is 76 dB(A). |
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We like the machine, but we are only doing single pieces |
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Well. Are there any switchcase manufacturers who really do series? If this machine wouldn't be rational in singe-piece manufactury we wouldn't have sold one piece. By means of our CAD software, which is optimized for switchcase design, the complete finishing process reduces to the input of the CAD layout of the mounting plate, door or case and the fixing and losening of the workpiece. A complete and complex mounting place with 100 drillholes/ threads will be finished within 15-20 minutes - at least if we only count the human working time. |
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What is the write-off period of a machine like this? |
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The answer is dependent on the country your business is located. In Germany the write-off period is 7 years (84 month) for CNC drilling machines. The optimized leasing period is, depending again on your countries regulations, 90% of the write-off period. For Germany this would be 75 month. Please consult your tax adviser. |
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