NAGEL TECHNOLOGIES GmbH has expanded its EcoHone series with the EcoHone flex – a honing machine designed for flexible production when adaptability, process reliability and economic efficiency are equally important.

The EcoHone flex combines manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic production concepts into a single platform. The machine is aimed at manufacturers that process frequently changing components and require short set-up times without compromising precision, from prototype manufacturing through to series production.

A central feature of the EcoHone flex is its factory-integrated robot interface, which enables a step-by-step transition into automated production concepts – from the standalone machine to the near-autonomous production cell. At the same time, the machine remains fully capable in manual mode and offers maximum freedom in set-up and single-part operations.

"Many of our customers face the challenge of producing eco-nomically – even with fluctuating quantities and frequent variant changes. This is exactly where the EcoHone flex comes in. It combines manual flexibility with an automatable structure and thus creates genuine investment security," explained Sören Pöhlsen, sales engineer - Industrial at Nagel.

The machine’s impresses with the proven Nagel infeed system, which delivers high cut-off accuracy and repeatability. A constant coolant temperature, ensured by an integrated oil cooler, together with a well-designed fixturing concept, supports reproducible honing results at a consistently high level. Different adapter solutions allow the use of both Nagel and third-party tools – providing users with greater flexibility and enabling the integration of existing tooling concepts into new production processes.

A particular highlight is the newly developed honing assistant. It guides the operator step by step through program creation, reduces set-up times and increases process stability – a decisive benefit in environments with frequent component changes. "With the honing assistant, we bring expert know-how directly to the machine. The operator is guided intuitively through the process; sources of error are minimized and the ramp-up of new components is significantly accelerated. This boosts machine availability and lowers unit costs," emphasized Udo Strefler, sales manager at Nagel.

The digital assistance system is designed to make honing technology easier to operate, even for less experienced users. At the same time, it helps standardize processes and supports consistent quality across changing production requirements.

The design too has been built with future readiness in mind: the cabinet-free Beckhoff MX system, integrated lubrication and coolant systems, and the ergonomically accessible working area all support easy maintenance and operator comfort. A 16" touchscreen provides clear and user-friendly control.

The modular machine concept allows manufacturers to adapt the system to their specific production requirements while retaining the option to expand automation levels in the future. This makes the EcoHone flex a scalable solution for companies looking to balance flexibility and productivity.

Learn more at www.nagel.com