Key Features of the VVBM Series

Vertical Design & Maximum Batch Utilization

The vertically aligned vacuum chamber (360mm height for the VVBM200, 240mm for the VVBM150) enables optimal space usage. The VVBM200 can process up to 800 PCD inserts per cycle—up to 6 times the capacity of conventional horizontal systems. Parts can be arranged on up to 14 levels (≈25 mm spacing), offering greater flexibility for complex tool geometries. This allows for high-volume processing of both indexable inserts and more complex tools such as milling cutters.

Patented 3-Zone Temperature Management

• VVBM200: Three independently controlled heating zones (each 120 mm high) with temperature uniformity <10° C.
• VVBM150: Also features three zones (each 80mm) with similar precision.

This allows different materials to be brazed simultaneously (e.g. PCD at <700° C and CBN/CVD at >800° C). The zone-specific control of alloys and temperatures reduces cycle times and increases energy efficiency.

Partial Pressure Control & Nitrogen Cooling (Exclusive to VVBM200)

• The partial pressure regulation prevents silver evaporation from active solders during high-temperature brazing (>800° C), ensuring consistent bond strength.
• Optional active nitrogen cooling shortens the cooling phase, reducing the total cycle time to under 60 minutes (including heating, brazing, and unloading).

Process Security with Resume Function

A newly developed resume mode allows interrupted processes (e.g. due to power failure) to continue precisely at the point of interruption. This minimizes scrap, reduces downtime, and maintains reproducibility—critical for sensitive materials like diamond or ceramic composites.

Cost Efficiency & Sustainability

Each brazing cycle incurs operating costs of only €4–8 (depending on electricity rates) for power, compressed air, and vacuum generation. High batch capacity significantly reduces unit costs, while the quartz-glass chamber eliminates metallic contamination and improves overall tool quality.

Technical Innovations in Detail

• Quartz Glass Chamber: The metal-free quartz chamber ensures maximum purity and is ideal for reactive materials. A built-in viewing window allows real-time monitoring during process development and quality control—available on both machines.
• Remote Control & Automation: Full remote operation via VPN software, including protocol logging and adjustment of heating ramps, holding times, and cooling rates.
• Scalability: The VVBM150 is ideal for SMEs with smaller batch sizes, while the VVBM200 is designed for industrial-scale production.
• Fast Cycle for Maximum Productivity: A key differentiator of the VVBM series is its fully integrated fast cycle—under 90 minutes from loading to removal of the brazed tools. This includes chamber heating, precision-controlled brazing, and rapid cooling. Compared to conventional systems—where cooling alone can take hours—IEW’s technology enables full cycle time optimization without compromising quality. Particularly relevant for mass production of indexable inserts with PCD or CBN cutting edges.

IEW-Services

• Custom Fixtures for Maximum Batch Efficiency
  A critical success factor in vacuum brazing is tailored workpiece fixturing. IEW develops and manufactures precise fixtures that match your specific tool geometries and process requirements. Modular holders make the best use of chamber space—such as stackable holders for indexable inserts. These customized solutions not only maximize batch density but also ensure consistent quality—for both complex milling tools and small PCD inserts.

• IEW – Experts in Brazing Technology & Materials Consulting
  As a pioneer in inductive heating and vacuum brazing, IEW GmbH offers not only premium equipment but also comprehensive expertise in selecting and applying soldering materials. Our engineers provide personalized advice in choosing the ideal alloy. Through materials analysis and practical testing, we jointly determine the best combination of alloy and process parameters to ensure optimum brazed joints. This holistic consulting approach reduces scrap risk and ensures long-lasting performance of your high-end tools—from prototype to series production.

Vacuum-brazed tools

Applications & Economic Efficiency

The systems are ideal for:

• PCD, CBN, MCD, and CVD cutting inserts (e.g. for machining or woodworking)
• High-temperature brazing of ceramic composites or diamond tools
• Medical technology (implant-compatible surfaces)

Thanks to the patented 3-zone temperature control, diverse tools (e.g. PCD and CBN/CVD) can be brazed simultaneously at different temperatures, significantly reducing development time and energy consumption.

Conclusion

The VVBM series by IEW GmbH meets the core demands of modern diamond tool manufacturing: scalability, precision, and cost-efficiency. With its resume function, patented 3-zone temperature control, and optional nitrogen cooling, it sets new benchmarks in process reliability and throughput—especially in light of the growing demand for high-performance tools.

Source | IEW Induktive Erwärmungsanlagen GmbH