Plant Operations: Avoiding Collision Damage of Motor Spindles through an Innovative motor-spindle safety system MS3

Chicago, Illinois - Different causes lead to unforeseen contact situations between moving components in the working space of machine tools. These collisions can result in damage of the machine components. High cost and machine downtime are the consequences. This article presents a solution for the reduction of contact forces in case of collision. The damages of the machine structure and the main components like the motor spindle can be successfully avoided. Further a modified mechanism with higher stiffness and better process properties of the protection system will be described and compared to the current status.

About the speakers

Dr. Wörn is a specialist for the development of machine elements. He obtained his Engineering Diploma in mechanical engineering from the University of Applied Sciences, Frankfurt/Main, Germany in 2001. After finishing his Master of Science in Mechanical and Process Engineering, he received a doctor’s degree from the Technische Universität Darmstadt in 2009. His research at the Institute of Production Management, Technology and Machine Tools (PTW) Darmstadt was done in the field of design methodologies for changeable and reconfigurable machine tools. Since 2009 he is working for the company Jakob Antriebstechnik GmbH in Germany and has developed in close collaboration with notable universities several kinds of new machine elements.

Gary Michalek grew up in an entrepreneurial family (Quality Control Corporation in Harwood Heights, IL) and has successfully launched new companies that focused on products in the automation industry. His strength is setting the vision and strategic objectives along with selecting the “best” team to carry out those objectives.  His positive energy, importance of treating his team as family, his focus on integrity and honesty and instilling an attitude of “making it happen” are core values that have made his companies successful. The importance of financial systems, procedures and processes, metrics for measuring key performance indicators are implemented throughout his organization.  He has experience in contract negotiations, international business relationships, manufacturing and sales channel management. 

Gary graduated from Loyola Academy in Wilmette, IL and received his BBA with emphasis in finance and marketing from Texas Christian University. He was an active forum member in Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), a class member of Gathering of Titans which is the Graduate Program of the former Birthing of Giants Program founded by Inc Magazine, EO and MIT. He was a Board member to Quality Control Corporation before it was sold to a private equity group.  He is also an avid athlete competing in Triathlons and Ironman competitions. Gary lives in Winnetka, IL with his wife Becky and has three children. 

Gisbert Ledvon is GF Machining Solutions' director of business development.