Boost Energy Efficiency and Sustainability with VERICUT Force: Sandvik Coromant’s Success Story
Sustainability and efficiency are at the forefront of modern manufacturing. For Sandvik Coromant, a global leader in metal-cutting tools, the introduction of VERICUT Force has significantly enhanced their machining operations. By optimizing cutting conditions and reducing energy consumption, VERICUT Force is helping Sandvik Coromant move closer to their ambitious goal of carbon-neutral production by 2035.
At its Gimo production facility in Sweden, Sandvik Coromant is not only producing advanced metal-cutting tools but also pushing the boundaries of sustainable machining. With the help of VERICUT Force software, the company is optimizing machining processes, reducing energy consumption, and minimizing waste. VERICUT Force, known for its ability to analyze and optimize cutting conditions, has helped the factory achieve impressive results in both cycle time reduction and energy efficiency.
As a facility that operates around the clock with unmanned shifts, the Gimo site relies on automation and smart machining processes. With VERICUT as a key tool in their arsenal for over 10 years, Sandvik Coromant is now fully leveraging the power of VERICUT Force to further reduce its environmental impact and drive sustainability.
How Sandvik Coromant Uses VERICUT Force for Sustainable Machining
Sandvik Coromant’s Gimo facility manufactures tool bodies for milling, drilling, and turning operations, producing over 15,000 standard products alongside customized tools. The plant is also recognized as a digital lighthouse for its Industry 4.0 practices, running fully automated production lines supported by advanced robotics. For a facility that consumes between 56-58 MWh of electricity daily, reducing energy consumption is a top priority.
By using VERICUT Force, the production team has optimized machining operations, resulting in a significant 15% reduction in energy consumption for specific machining tasks.
“With VERICUT Force, we’re reducing spindle time, cutting down on coolant pumps, and lowering motor usage across the board,” says Björn Ljunggren, Production Engineer at Sandvik Coromant. “These optimizations help us move closer to energy-efficient manufacturing, which is crucial as we strive for carbon neutrality by 2035.”
Energy Savings and Cycle Time Reduction: A Powerful Combination
A trial run at the Gimo facility using VERICUT Force on the machining of a CoroDrill® DS20 product showed promising results. This product, made from high-hardness steel, underwent roughing operations with VERICUT Forceoptimization applied to adaptive milling and slot milling processes. The outcome? A 12% reduction in cycle time and a 15% reduction in energy consumption.
Data collected from the STAMA CNC vertical machining center, which is equipped with sensors to track energy use, showed a savings of 0.59 kWh per workpiece, equating to over 10,000 kWh saved annually on just one machine. This reduction has a tangible financial benefit, potentially saving €3,000 per machine per year based solely on energy costs.
“The benefits of VERICUT Force extend beyond just faster cycle times,” adds Ljunggren. “Every reduction in energy use is a step closer to our sustainability goals. When you scale this across multiple machines, the impact is substantial.”
For a typical machine shop running 10, 20, or 30 machines, the potential savings from energy consumption alone could range from €30,000 to €90,000 annually. And that’s before factoring in additional savings from extended tool life and increased machining capacity.
Sustainability and Efficiency through VERICUT Force
The Gimo facility’s commitment to sustainability is driving the rollout of VERICUT Force to additional machines. Currently, two machining cells—housing six machines—are fully optimized with VERICUT Force, with plans to expand this to 11 machines by the summer of 2024. These optimizations are a key part of the plant’s strategy to lower its carbon footprint and increase overall operational efficiency.
By focusing on energy-efficient manufacturing, Sandvik Coromant is setting the standard for sustainability in the machining industry. The reduction in cycle times also leads to better tool life and less material waste, further enhancing the environmental benefits.
“The learning curve for VERICUT Force is minimal. It’s user-friendly, and with great support from AIM, we’ve seen a smooth adoption process that’s already delivering results,” says Ljunggren.
Maximizing Impact with VERICUT Force
The Gimo site’s trial showed the powerful potential of VERICUT Force not only in reducing energy consumption but also in optimizing the entire machining process. The reduction in spindle time, machine wear, and energy usage translates into significant financial savings, alongside the obvious environmental benefits.
“The potential for savings is massive,” says Ljunggren. “By expanding VERICUT Force optimization across our entire fleet of machines, we are confident we’ll see even greater gains, both financially and sustainably.”
With sustainability at the heart of its operations, Sandvik Coromant is leveraging VERICUT Force to improve energy efficiency, cut costs, and ensure a greener future for its production processes.
At AIM, we understand the critical importance of sustainability in today’s manufacturing world. By leveraging our VERICUT Force solutions, manufacturers can achieve significant savings in both energy consumption and cycle times, all while contributing to a more sustainable future. Ready to optimize your operations?
Contact AIM today at info@aim-cnc.com and discover how VERICUT Force can transform your shop floor for maximum efficiency and sustainability.
