Automation Enhances High-Volume Tool Production

United Grinding North America, Inc. (Miamisburg, OH) offers its Walter Helitronic Mini Automation 5-axis universal tool grinding machine for maximum flexibility and precision in the high-volume production of rotationally symmetrical tools and production components.

The machine’s double-ended spindle can accommodate up to three grinding wheels
per end to process end mills, drills, step drills, step tools, woodworking tools, profile
blades and profile tools from 0.04 in (1 mm) to 0.63 in (16 mm) diameter. Maximum tool
length is 7.3 in (185 mm), with a minimum diameter of 0.04 in (1 mm) for production
blanks and 0.12 in (3 mm) for regrinding. Tool materials can include carbide, HSS,
ceramic, cermet or CBN.

A Fanuc control and Helitronic Tool Studio software combine to operate five CNC
axes including linear X, Y, and Z ball screw axes, an A-axis with a torque motor, and
a rotational C-axis with a worm drive. The machine’s continuously variable grinding
spindle drive features a 12 hp (9 kW) motor.

Engineered for high-production volumes, the machine has a robot loader that can
handle up to 1,500 tools. An optional extension for a robot loader can hold four
additional pallets for up to 2,000 tools, providing a total production capacity of 3,500
tools.

Positioning via glass scales, the machine’s solid gray-cast-iron base, and gantry-type
construction ensure accuracy and consistency over long production runs. This CNC tool grinding machine is the first choice in the Helitronic family when it comes to the highest productivity and quality expectations in volume production.

Founded in 1919, Walter is a world leading manufacturer of grinding, eroding and CNC measuring machines for the production and resharpening of metal and PCD tools as well as rotationally –symmetrical production components.

United Grinding North America is the subsidiary for the North American grinding machine tool market, offering innovative products in the technology areas of surface and profile grinding, cylindrical grinding and tool grinding from two production plants of 16,732 sq ft space in Miamisburg and 16,732 sq ft in Fredericksburg, VA, with over 155 employees around North
America. Apart from its production plants in the U.S., it runs an additional sales and
service office in Queretaro, Mexico.

United Grinding North America, Inc., 510 Earl Boulevard, Miamisburg, OH 45342-6411, 937-859-1975, Fax: 937-859-1115, www.grinding.com.