Curtis Vector Grinds Small Parts From Solid

Curtis Machine Tools has developed the Vector GFS cylindrical grinding machine to cope with components in the 1-2mm diameter range, which are difficult to handle and locate using conventional methods. The Vector GFS (grind from solid) is capable of producing a range of parts from hardened bar in one cycle using a multi-form grinding wheel. The key elements of the design are the stock feed unit, which feeds bar into the work spindle from a magazine located at the rear of the machine, and a puller unit, wherein a servo-driven gripper pulls bar material a precisely programmable distance through the work-spindle chuck.

Optional features available on the Vector GFS include the following: servo-feed slitting saw that permits part cut-off with square pip-free faces, regardless of the wheel approach angle; radially retractable tailstock that swings clear to admit the puller gripper; and slimline in-process diameter gauging using the Marposs Nano Unimar gauge, with a retraction system built into the tailstock body. Additional optional features include: two-point steady that can be programmed for fixed support with retraction for stock advance, or linked to the grinding in-feed in follow-down mode; C axis for non-round features; and work-handling systems based on the standard Vector robot, giving the possibility to execute further operations such as deburring, washing and palletisation.

Schaudt Grinds Transmission Shafts At 200m/s

The Schaudt Shaftgrind S allows machining with different wheel widths and the interpolating generation of relief grooves and plunge-cuts with an electroplating tool. Circumferential speeds of up to 200m/s are now run during HSP grinding, on a grinding spindle with hybrid bearings equipped with a CBN wheel and a carbon carrier.

This increases productivity, regardless of whether the cooling lubricant is an emulsion or oil. A wheel diameter of 480mm guarantees long tool life. In combination with the digital drives, the hydrostatic X-axis guideway (an available option) allows highly accurate positioning of the tool spindle while simultaneously maximising service life.

The company said the Shaftgrind S is ideal for efficiently machining a wide variety of shafts. Its WOP-S programming is based on the user interface of the Siemens 840D control system and helps generate even non-round surface contours, such as polygons, ellipses and free profiles, quickly and simply.

CNC Machine Grinds Super-Hard Materials

The Ewag Compact Line CNC grinding machine is designed for the flexible and precise manufacturing or sharpening of indexable inserts in all materials. Whether the material is carbide, cermet, ceramic or super-hard CBN/PCD, the CNC grinding machine meets all of the requirements for precision and speed - especially with the realisation of complex workpiece geometries.

The machine is fitted with the CBN/PCD module for grinding super-hard materials and now also for machining diamond cutting materials. The Compact Line has a compact construction, features ergonomic operation and an integrated robot system. Inside the machine, everything is positioned close to the working B-axis; the travel ranges for axes and robots are therefore kept to a minimum, cycle and downtimes are shortened, and productivity is increased.

The machine interior and control elements are accessible from one position. A rapid change system allows the operator to exchange the grinding wheels easily at the push of a button. The HSKE 50 clamping system for grinding wheels ensures quick and accurate change-over of grinding-wheel sets. The workpieces are fixed to the clamping device with a tension pin. All clamping systems are mechanically installed on the B-axis and are identified by a 'plug-and-play' system. The result is flexibility and short change-over times.

The 'three-in-one' sharpening unit - dressing, regenerating, and crushing - provides good grinding wheel concentricity and high repeat accuracy of processes. 3D measurement of workpieces in one clamping ensures the required tolerances are met from the start. Loading is carried out with the integrated six-axis Fanuc robot, which increases the level of machine automation and permits autonomous multi-shift operation. The Compact Line incorporates five-axis CNC kinematics, direct drive of the grinding spindle and linear technology.