Walter’s new tool vending station is the first step towards digital tool management

By Walter GB LTD
schedule3rd Dec 18

Metalworking specialist Walter AG has improved its offer to companies looking to introduce fully digitalised tool management with the launch of its new C line automated carousel tool vending station.

The new machine has tool compartment sizes and spacings that can be easily and quickly adjusted, enabling a user to make an immediate start in tool management then to subsequently make any adjustments necessary.

This compares to a traditional drawer system, for example, where a time-consuming detailed overview of quantities, sizes and frequency of removal/use are often needed before the system can be utilised.

Walter said the the C line station would also enable users to quickly identify areas which have the potential for optimisation. For example, it suggests that around half of the cost-driving factors in tool logistics will be identified.

The company also suggests that tool costs usually represent about 6% of total production costs but that all the logistics processes surrounding tool procurement and maintenance have considerable potential for optimisation and cost reduction.

Savings in such areas will soon prompt users’ next steps in digitally supported tool management, the company believes.

For example, instead of a central dispensing point that logs tool output and input while also taking care of reconditioning, automated tool stations can be positioned throughout a shopfloor and feedback can be sent automatically to the purchasing division, with re-orders being placed according to demand (via the purchasing team or tool supplier).

Walter has installed this easily accessible form of data-based tool management for numerous customers, and the automated tool stations can hold any tools required -  not just those supplied by Walter.

The highly-detailed data of the control and analysis of a tool’s lifetime within a company is based on Walter software that processes live production and tool logistics data in line with the scope of production, and the system calculates which tool is required in which quantity to machine the next components. In addition, the software’s analysis suite can highlight peaks in consumption, for instance.

With its Walter Multiply service programme, the company offers a range of solutions, from tool dispensing through to digital analysis and control of the tool management system, including installing and equipping individual dispensing cabinets, complete solutions embracing procurement, storage and provision through to reconditioning.

Walter’s new C line automated carousel tool vending station has tool compartment sizes and spacings that can be easily and quickly adjusted.