Retrofit for tool grinding machines
We make your machines fit for the future again
We bring your tool grinding machine back up to date – and restore it to maximum productivity and accuracy. When retrofitting, we focus on your requirements and tailor the scope of the retrofit program precisely to your needs.
What is a retrofit and why is it important for tool grinding machines?
A retrofit involves modernizing older machines by installing new components or technologies to improve their performance and bring them up to the current technical standard. Instead of completely replacing an old machine, a retrofit can extend its service life and increase its efficiency as well as its safety and environmental standards.
Retrofitting is particularly important for tool grinding machines because it can significantly increase the performance and precision of the machines. Over time, your machines lose accuracy due to wear and tear and outdated control systems, which can be improved by installing modern control and measurement technology. Retrofitting is also cost-effective as it is a cheaper alternative to purchasing new machines.
Retrofit: The sustainable solution for tool grinding machines
The retrofitting of tool grinding machines is a compelling example of sustainability in action in the manufacturing industry. By eliminating the need for new castings and avoiding the scrapping of existing components, the production of which is extremely time-consuming and energy-intensive, the ecological footprint is significantly reduced. Instead of consuming valuable resources for the production of new machines, existing components are reused, which minimizes the need for raw materials and energy. This not only protects the environment, but also contributes to a more sustainable and resource-efficient industry.
You are probably familiar with this if you use an older tool grinding machine.
Sometimes, customers come to us wanting to upgrade their aging machines without investing in new ones. If the following scenarios sound familiar, you’ve come to the right place:
- Your machine keeps breaking down
- You don’t know what is defective in your machine or what is causing the errors
- You have frequent machine failures
- Your machine has many problems at once
- Your machine produces a high amount of scrap, many breakages, and the tooling requires time-consuming reworking
- The safety equipment on your machine is no longer up to date
- The air conditioning on your machine is not working properly
- You have high part wear
The solution: a retrofit from SOS Elektronik: because with us, retrofits are future-proof
If you are considering retrofitting, you have probably already asked yourself the following questions:
- How can I retrofit my old machine?
- How can I be sure that retrofitting is the better solution rather than buying a new machine?
- Is a retrofit really more cost-effective than a new purchase?
- How can I ensure that I can continue to use my existing tools, spare parts, or machine accessories?
- Will a retrofit meet the technological requirements of the coming years?
- What is the quality of the new components? What is the availability of spare parts?
The good news is that you are not alone in having these concerns. In fact, most of our customers ask us these questions before implementing a retrofit. That’s why we help you with this process and advise you, without obligation, on how and in what form a retrofit makes sense for your machine. Over the past 10 years, we have successfully carried out retrofits for tool grinding machines for over 100 customers – with the best availability and accuracy.
And best of all: we have repaired machines dating back to 1980 – even when the manufacturer said they were beyond repair. We also offer a huge range of spare parts, even for the oldest components.
Our services at a glance
We offer a wide range of retrofit options for tool grinding machines that can be tailored precisely to your requirements.
Consulting and planning
We begin with comprehensive consultation and planning, during which we evaluate machine performance and identify specific areas that can be improved through retrofitting. We then develop a plan that is tailored precisely to your requirements and objectives.
Project management
Our project management includes precise time and resource planning to optimally coordinate retrofit activities and minimize production interruptions. We continuously monitor the project to ensure that it remains on schedule and within budget.
Training and planning
Our training courses ensure that your employees can operate the modernized machines safely and effectively. We also provide maintenance training so that your team can carry out maintenance independently.
Mechanical and electrical modernization
We renew moving parts, bearings, and guides to improve the mechanical precision of your machine. We also replace outdated electrical components such as control cabinets and sensors to increase reliability and efficiency.
Control system modernization
We integrate modern CNC controls and perform software updates to bring the precision and usability of your machine up to date.
Maintenance and after-sales support
After the retrofit, we offer long-term maintenance contracts and comprehensive technical support to ensure the long-term performance of your machine and provide rapid assistance when needed.
Our retrofit: Tailored precisely to your needs
As part of a retrofit, we can update various components, systems, or software. Here is a rough overview of our areas of expertise:
Mechanical components
- Guides and bearings: Replacement of guideways, linear bearings, and ball screws to improve mechanical precision.
- Drive systems: Replacement of motors, gearboxes, and drive units to increase efficiency and performance.
- Cooling systems: Modernization of cooling systems to operate the machine more efficiently and reliably.
Electrical components
- Control cabinets and cabling: Renewal of electrical infrastructure to meet current safety and efficiency standards.
- Sensors and measurement technology: Installation of new sensors to improve process control and precision.
- Motors and drives: Replacement of outdated motors and drives with more energy-efficient and powerful models.
Control and software components
- CNC controls: Modernization or replacement of CNC controls to increase machining precision and improve user-friendliness.
- Software updates: Implementation of the latest software versions and interfaces to optimize operation and integrate new functions.
Control elements & hardware expansion
- Renewal of control elements: Replacement of outdated control panels with modern touchscreens and intuitive HMI solutions.
- Improved visualization and user guidance: Introduction of user-friendly interfaces to facilitate machine operation and monitoring.
We can help you with these machines
Advantages of a retrofit: More than just sustainable!
A retrofit offers you numerous advantages over a new purchase:
Cost savings
A retrofit is usually cheaper than purchasing a completely new machine. It allows you to continue using existing structures and machine components, which significantly reduces overall costs. Since you can continue to use many existing components, there are lower costs for installation, training, and adaptation to existing production processes.
Faster implementation & minimal downtime
Since we often only replace or add certain components during a retrofit, you can get the machine back up and running faster. This reduces downtime compared to completely replacing the machine.
Extension of service life
A retrofit extends the service life of machines by modernizing critical components. Older machines that are no longer available for replacement parts can continue to be operated by retrofitting them with newer components.
No retraining of employees
You don’t need to retrain your employees on a new machine. Since the machine’s basic design remains the same, your employees can continue to work with the familiar controls, minimizing training costs and downtime.
What sets us apart
Experts in tool grinding machines
SOS Elektronik specializes in restoring existing tool grinding machines to full working order—even models that the original manufacturer can no longer support or is no longer willing to support. Our expertise covers brands such as Walter, Hawema, Schütte, SAAKE, and Schneeberger, and we offer customized solutions that are precisely tailored to our customers’ needs.
Comprehensive support for older machines
A key advantage of our services is our ability to repair and modernize even the oldest machines dating back to 1980. Thanks to our extensive spare parts portfolio, which also includes rare and hard-to-find parts, we can keep machines running that would otherwise be considered beyond repair.
Fast response times and reliable service
Our customers particularly appreciate our fast response times. When a machine breaks down, we spring into action immediately. We specialize in arriving on site quickly and fixing the problem right away to minimize downtime.
Customized retrofit solutions
Our retrofit solutions go far beyond simply replacing components. We analyze in detail what is really necessary and only carry out repairs or replacements when they are actually required. Our services include the modernization of control systems, electrical systems, and mechanical components to bring machines up to the latest state of the art.
Contact
Are you interested in carrying out a retrofit with us? Then don’t hesitate any longer and send us a non-binding inquiry. We will be happy to check free of charge whether a retrofit is a sensible and effective solution for you.