Leading-Edge Grinders are Quicker, Safer and More Flexible
New designs and advances in grinding machines and related software result in increases in productivity and the ability to manufacture a variety of components.
Posted: June 16, 2022
Machine shops can produce a range of complex tools thanks to the next generation of machines that support the requirements of multiple industries. Operators can tackle jobs and challenges by using the latest user-friendly technologies.
TapX Linear: Leading the Revolution in Single Setup Tap Manufacture
ANCA USA’s (Wixom, MI) purpose-built machine for tap manufacturers, the TapX Linear, was a market-first and is offered with dedicated iTap software, tooling, coolant delivery and automation specifically for production grinding of all types of taps, from M3 up to M50, whether in high-speed steel or carbide. Clever tooling design means changeover from one tap type to another can be done in minutes, not hours — offering greater flexibility, increased productivity and reduced costs.
The first single setup tap grinding machine with LinX linear motor technology on X, Y and Z axes, TapX Linear finds the perfect balance between proven designs combined with ANCA’s newest technologies. TapXcell has up to 24-wheel packs and can be configured to switch from producing one tap type to another without stopping the machine, if the tooling for holding the taps is common.
With diversity for tap grinding, TapX Linear gives total flexibility to tackle any job in the compact footprint of a single machine. The tooling is dedicated to tap grinding, including compensating chuck and CNC tailstock for precision grinding between centers. Other features, such as dual dressing systems, automatic adjusting coolant nozzles and robotic tool loading ensure confidence with lights out production.
Newly Designed Grinders Meet Market Demands
Intelligent. Dynamic. Affordable. These words describe the driving forces behind the newly designed Chevalier Machinery Inc. (Santa Fe Springs, CA) SMART-IV Series of CNC surface grinders. They’re also the benchmarks required by the medical, energy, semiconductor, aerospace, mold and processing industries to meet market demands.
With six machine sizes available, this series can produce complicated shapes along with finer finishes, resulting in highly accurate workpieces. The heavy-duty slide rails, one-piece base casting and hardened wheel head guideways create a solid, rigid machine structure that minimizes vibration, movement and displacement. And the fully enclosed cover design provides more protection, preventing cutting coolant splashing and oil mist dissipation while avoiding grinding danger by completely protecting the operator.
The exclusive next generation SMART iControl incorporates production efficiency, which simplifies operation procedures and greatly enhances the performance of Chevalier’s multifunctional CNC surface grinders.
The SMART iControl features include: an Intelligent Grinding Assistant System; Intelligent Auto Wheel Dressing; Grind CAM Built-in Function; SMART Grinding Path, TaskLink+; In-machine Dynamic Balancing, and Workable Soothing Function.
Combined with TaskLink+, the SMART iControl allows operators to create programs for generating complex grinding tasks in a single cycle — without an engineering degree. The SMART-IV Series also features tools to secure Big Data with Chevalier’s exclusive iMCSTM (iMachine Communications System) software package that enhances machine efficiency in the factory while enabling remote monitoring and diagnostics.
High Precision Centerless Grinding Made Affordable
Total Grinding Solutions (TGS) (Warren, MI), a worldwide manufacturer of centerless grinders, offers the TGS-CL-6020 centerless grinder. Configured for both through feed grinding and infeed grinding, the TGS-CL-6020 provides extreme accuracy and consistency. Its centerless grinder offers precision grinding for production of components requiring tight tolerances. The machine offers sub-micron level precision, largely due to its high rigidity. Able to perform dependably in the roughest production environments, the TGS-CL-6020 is built to provide many years of uninterrupted service without high maintenance costs.
Features include:
- Regulating wheel spindle outboard design provides maximum spindle rigidity and supports and facilitates material rotation
- High-rigidity honeycomb machine bed
- Integrated, heavy duty, preloaded rolling guide ways
- Anti-friction bearing grinding wheel and regulating wheel spindle
- Two-axis CNC grinding wheel dresser
The grinder accommodates a wide range of automation options including gantry-style systems, vibratory bowl feeders, hopper feeders, roller conveyors, belt conveyors and a variety of robotics.
www.totalgrindingsolutions.com
Vertical, Multi-level Machining with Tool and Cutter Grinder
VOLLMER of America Corp.’s (Pittsburgh, PA) VGrind family offers a wide range of highly efficient tool and cutter grinders. The 340S model is a 5-axis grinding machine which produces carbide drills and milling cutters with a diameter ranging from 0.3-to-12.7 mm (0.01”-to-1/2”). New linear induction motors on the x, y, and z axes for even greater precision and surface quality.
With the popular programming system NUMROTO PLUS, a huge variety of tools can be manufactured and resharpened. The machine features a range of useful configuration options that allow you to implement large batches of small tools and make your manufacturing processes more precise, quicker and safer.
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