The PH and P series of planetary gearboxes.

According to Fitzer, checking the total coefficient of friction plays an important role. This allows conclusions to be drawn about the quality of the assembly work, for example about the preload forces of the bearings. Using an appropriate noise protection hood and special software, the employee on the test bench can localize minimal noises via headphones. These are caused by the slightest damage to the tooth flank, among other things. At the same time, he can check the running noise of the gearbox.

"When developing the test bench, which we named EoL 4.XX, we attached great importance to ergonomic operation," explains Fitzer. This allows colleagues to work at a comfortable height. The gearbox or geared motor is clamped and unclamped automatically. Depending on requirements, an employee handles the parts conveniently, for example with a crane, places them on the test bench and removes them again. The sound enclosure is also opened and closed fully automatically.

"We have developed special software with which we can optimize the test cycle for each transmission," explains Fitzer. In plain language: the program regulates the input speed for gearboxes with a high transmission ratio and thus moves to a corresponding output test speed. This shortens the throughput time.

Then there is the issue of safety. "We involved trained safety experts as consultants in the run-up to the construction and design of our new test stand," says Fitzer. The result: the EoL 4.XX is equipped with side entry protection and a safety curtain at the front. This can stop the test process or movements of the sound enclosure immediately in an emergency.

The new servo planetary geared motors are available in different sizes. The test bench is flexible and is suitable for all types in the series up to size P8 and PH8. "We can drive and test all of our servo motors with a wide range of encoder variants," explains Fitzer. "Even coupling variants are not an issue."

The operator can monitor the test process at any time using a webcam, even when the hood is closed. The test results are continuously checked using plausibility monitoring. "The inspection cycle starts when the system first scans the barcode," says the specialist. This loads all the target data via an internal database and compares it with the actual data during and after the inspection process. The screen displays the results. If everything is correct, the values are green - if they are exceeded or undercut, they are highlighted in red. "The EoL 4.XX also uses this database to automatically check the previously completed assembly work," explains Fitzer. For example, the operator can see whether the leak test has already been carried out or whether the gearbox has been filled with oil.

All target data is loaded via an internal database and compared with the actual data for the inspection process.

"Since the beginning of the year, we have been working digitally throughout the picking of components and in assembly," explains Fitzer. "This means that once the system has scanned the barcode, the employee only sees the corresponding work instruction on the monitor at their workstation. Once the job has been completed, the test bench reports this back to the SAP system." Stöber also relies on digital tools for assembly planning - for example, a digital twin of the assembly environment and the inspection using VR glasses.

With this new development, the company is also enabling a standardized quality assurance process for the new planetary servo gearboxes and motors, which is also used in all other assembly plants. as