REDUCE YOUR PRECISION GRINDING COSTS
Flexibility is the key to making money in precision grinding. If you are looking for ways to reduce your grinder operating costs and improve your margins, check out the flexibility these machines offer.
Posted: August 3, 2011
Lower costs and improved quality is something any manufacturer can get excited about. Drake now estimates that 25 percent of its business is derived from Asian manufacturers. www.drakemfg.com
COMPACT HIGH-PRECISION CYLINDRICAL GRINDING
The Hardinge Group/L.Kellenberger & Co. AG (St. Gallen, Switzerland) offers the KEL-VERA compact production grinder that can be used for grinding any kind of component with a length of up to 400 mm. Building on their experience of more than 15 years with hydrostatic guideways, Kellenberger designed these hydrostatic guideways to meet even the most extreme requirements on universal applications, as well as on production grinding.
The sturdy and rigid construction of the KEL-VERA is combined with the highest precision for both the workhead and tailstock. The strict separation of the machine base from components generating heat and vibration ensures high quality precision and productivity. The excellent static and dynamic rigidity of the machine base permits a three-point set-up. This means the machine has no particular requirements on the building’s foundations.
A comprehensive cooling system with the hydrostatics, the wheelhead, internal grinding spindles and a heat exchanger in the electrical cabinet ensures a balance thermal economy. Generously-designed sliding doors, different service doors and the clearly arranged power supply all facilitate the work of the operator and his servicing of the machine. Building upon proven components, Kellenberger has been able to achieve a real increase in precision with this machine tool. www.hardinge.com
EXPANDED ID GRINDING CAPABILITIES
With the addition of the Studer CT internal cylindrical grinding machine series, United Grinding Technologies, Inc. (UGT; Miamisburg, OH) substantially increased their ID grinding capabilities. UGT’s wide range of ID grinding machines now includes eight Studer CT machines as well as the S120, S145, and S151. This innovative ID grinding product line is complemented by the S33 and favoritCNC, both of which feature ID and OD grinding but are configured by many customers as dedicated production ID grinding machines. The complete lineup offers a solution for workpieces of all sizes, shapes, and materials.
CT grinders are ideal for small- to medium-sized internal cylindrical grinding applications such as die plates, spring collets, tool holding fixtures, hydraulic components, and thread ring gauges composed of hard materials like tool steel, carbide, ceramics and glass. The modular and flexible arrangement of spindles enables optimal dimensioning of the machine, ranging from the machining of individual parts to large-scale production. CT machines also support integrated and autonomous loading systems for added flexibility and increased efficiency.
The S120 grinder features a compact footprint, cross-slide design for up to two internal grinding spindles, easy automation, C-axis, a large selection of multi-application spindles, and modular configurability, making this machine ideal for applications like carbon sleeves, hydraulic valve components, fuel injector parts and other small precision components.
The S145 grinder is perfect for the machining of medium-sized workpieces up to 200 mm (7.9 in) and is especially suited for workshops producing prototypes and small runs or those involved in toolmaking. With the appropriate configuration, the S145 can also function as an efficient production machine. High precision tooling, bearings, gears, and mold components are ideal applications for this machine. Its modular design, easy programming, and optional C-axis for form and thread grinding make the S145 an indispensable part of your shop floor.
The powerful S151 grinds workpieces up to 300 mm (11.8 in) diameter. The substantial accommodation capacity of the sturdy workhead and spindle turret with up to four grinding spindles offer a wide variety of application possibilities and are suitable for complete machining in one setup. Parts like turbine rotors and vanes, gears, and automotive transmission components are handled with ease on the S151.
UGT universal, external and internal grinders are supported by an expert team of grinding specialists and technicians drawing on more than 10,000 machine installations and a worldwide support and service network. www.grinding.com
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