Moog Animatics SmartMotor™ Powering Germany-based Kelch’s Tool Presetters

MURPHY, N.C., June 22, 2023 – Moog Animatics announced that Weinstadt, Germany-based Kelch, which makes the Kenova series of tool measurement devices, has replaced the stepper motors in its product with Moog Animatics SmartMotor™ (model SM23165DT) to improve efficiency, reduce space, and protect workers’ hearing. 

Kelch’s tool measurement devices, also known as presetters, automatically determine tool data before running, for example, a CNC machine, eliminating errors from typing or manually setting data through test cuts, so the machine’s owner can save setup time and operators gain productivity. To use a CNC machine, operators must add geometric data to control the machine’s tool. The stepper motors in a typical presetter help position a CNC machine’s tool for precise measurement, including the use of a camera system for enabling high quality calculations. 

With the SmartMotor now part of the design of Kenova set line V123 presetter, the motor precisely and nearly silently rotates the tool spindle to check and measure a CNC tool. In Kelch’s premium line of Kenova set line V9-S machines, six SmartMotors control four linear and two rotary axes.

Before installing the SmartMotor, Kelch’s presetters ran stepper motors at a frequency causing a high degree of noise. Since Moog Animatics SmartMotors produce virtually no noise, operators of Kelch’s newly equipped presetters have gained an added level of protection. The SmartMotor also has a compact design with one power supply unit, which reduces space. With a separate power supply for the SmartMotor amplifier stage, operators can switch off the motor to prevent an unplanned restart. The SmartMotor maintains a position even when power is off, which is essential for accurate positioning and makes it unnecessary to initialize the unit again. Powering the motor and amplifier stage requires 24 to 48 volts; the motor’s output delivers a maximum of 204 watts of continuous power.

“Our work with Kelch transfers to what we can do for other original equipment makers to improve efficiency, productivity and safety,” said Doug Parentice, Moog Animatics Sales and Engineering Manager. “Along with collaborating to improve a machine’s design, we offer an array of technologies like the SmartMotor that can fit into an existing machine’s envelope.” 

Additional SmartMotor specifications, data sheets and manuals are here.