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toolcraft AG Handelsstraße 1 91166 Georgensgmünd, Germany http://www.toolcraft.de
Contact Ms Julia Rodenbücher +49 9172 6956171
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Bringing the world to life with sound

toolcraft develops complete solution of mould making, injection moulding and robotics

(PresseBox) (Georgensgmünd, )
Sonova, headquartered in Stäfa, Switzerland, is the leading provider of innovative hearing care solutions. The company pursues the simple vision of creating a world in which there is a solution for every type of hearing loss and all people equally enjoy the delight of hearing. Sonova uses a complete solution from toolcraft to manufacture and package a cerumen filter protection device for hearing aids. Experts from injection moulding, mould making and robotics work together closely to produce the complete dispenser system, which includes eight filters.

Design follows process

“The dispenser system comprises three external parts (bottom, top and label), with the filters inserted into the bottom. There is also a mass storage unit housing additional filters so that the hearing aids can be fitted with an initial filter on Sonova’s assembly line” says Thomas Lender, head of injection moulding at toolcraft. The filter can be changed by the hearing aid wearer independently. This increases the durability of the hearing aid, improves its performance and makes it easier to use. The initial design of the cerumen filters and the dispenser system had to be revised in close cooperation with the client in terms of its manufacturing feasibility and ability to be produced automatically. Besides the fully automated production process, discussions focused on economic efficiency. During the design and construction of the systems, particular attention was paid to the high accuracy and precision of the individual components. The actual filter is smaller than a granule and is produced using micro-injection moulding. Its intricate design gives the product a longer lifecycle.

Bringing the smallest of parts into full-size view

Ensuring it was possible to manufacture the mould and to handle the filters during production proved to be the greatest challenge. This is where toolcraft’s longstanding experience and expertise in design, mould making for very small parts, robotics and injection moulding came in. “The development of an automated process was particularly tricky when determining how the parts could be picked up and handled. Inspecting the parts using a camera and laser micrometer technology as well as lasering the packaging components in the predetermined cycle time demanded extensive knowledge of process development and camera and laser technology”, explains Markus Bengel, deputy head of engineering and robotics at toolcraft. The delivery time was also very tight and changes to the materials during the project put the team under additional pressure. Various materials were ultimately selected. The bottom is made from SAN, the top and the mass storage packaging from ABS, and the label from PS. During the filter manufacturing stage, the material was changed to POM with fibreglass. This posed additional challenges during the removal of the parts from the mould as well as when connecting the parts, handling them using robots, separating and inspecting them.

Complete solution of mould making, injection moulding and robotics

After the project team consisting of mould making, robotics and injection moulding had been assembled, the focus was on the feasibility study examining the plastic components in terms of moulds, injection moulding, gripping technology and separation during the automation process. This was followed by design coordination with the customer and optimisation of the geometry. After the conceptual development of processes for manufacturing, removing and handling the components, the moulds were designed and at the same time the construction of the automation started. Finally, the individual components were brought together and the systems commissioned. Random CT measurements of the parts also ensure continuous quality assurance.

 A world full of sound

A number of challenges had to be overcome due to the fact that the deadline for starting production of the new generation of hearing aids had already been set in stone and due to changes in the materials and design during the project. The tight time constraints also meant that the second system had to be planned and put into series production at the same time as the first. Thanks to its excellent network of suppliers and the expansion of its own expertise in automated injection moulding, toolcraft successfully completed a project in a class of its own. The filter systems have been rolling off the fully automated production line ever since and are used in the new hearing aids to ensure wearers can enjoy a world full of sound.

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toolcraft AG

toolcraft is a pioneer of forward-looking technologies, such as 3D metal printing and the construction of customised turnkey robotic solutions. The company tests and develops innovative engineering processes until they are ready to be used on production lines. As a provider of comprehensive solutions, toolcraft covers the entire process chain, from the initial idea to manufacturing, quality assurance and testing in the areas of CNC machining, 3D metal printing, injection moulding, spark erosion (EDM) and mould making. Its clients include market leaders in the semiconductors, aerospace, medical technology, optical, special machinery manufacturing, motor sports and automotive industries. Building close working relationships with collaborative partners as well as universities, other institutions of higher education and research centres is an important part of its corporate philosophy. The medium-sized family-owned company, located in Georgensgmünd and Spalt, was founded by Bernd Krebs in 1989.

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The publisher indicated in each case (see company info by clicking on image/title or company info in the right-hand column) is solely responsible for the stories above, the event or job offer shown and for the image and audio material displayed. As a rule, the publisher is also the author of the texts and the attached image, audio and information material. The use of information published here is generally free of charge for personal information and editorial processing. Please clarify any copyright issues with the stated publisher before further use. In case of publication, please send a specimen copy to service@pressebox.de.