Grinding advances on show at AMB

The latest Kellenberger 100 concept cylindrical grinding machine featured alongside two Hardinge Super Precision turning and turn/grinding CNC centres on the Hardinge Inc stand at the recent AMB 2018 exhibition in Stuttgart.

Since its introduction in 2017, the Kellenberger 100 concept has been well received. While adopting a modular design, the machine makes use of technology from Kellenberger’s Vista and Vita machine ranges, the Tschudin T25, and the Jones & Shipman Ultramat CNC and Ultragrind 1000.
In terms of functionality, the 100 concept delivers a range of configuration options. Modular construction based on a common platform is designed to reduce machine build time yet accommodate numerous ‘standard’ options with an attractive price/performance ratio for the end user.
Three important features distinguish the new 100 machine series. First, a collision-free, compact wheel-head solution with integral motor spindles and a reinforced casing for larger wheel diameters when internal grinding. There is a choice of 10 wheel-head variations to ensure the optimal machine configuration based on the components to be processed.
Secondly, the enhancement of performance parameters. A higher grinding wheel drive power increases productivity while the newly designed Z guideway produces higher profile precision from the C axis, again enhancing precision when non-circular grinding.
Finally, the service-friendly machine concept. Kellenberger’s service teams were involved in the design and optimisation of the machine. This factor impacts on faster maintenance and service operations while optimum accessibility of maintenance-intensive components is assured.
Kellenberger machines feature the latest Fanuc 31i CNC controls with 19″ touch-screen guidance system on an operator friendly, intuitive touch-screen panel. An option is the newly designed cycle programming or workpiece-related graphic programming.
For further information www.jonesshipman.com

Schunk boosts wheel handling

Haas Schleifmaschinen is expanding the range of possibilities of its Multigrind CA and CB grinding machines with a fully automated compact storage rack for up to 70 grinding wheels and 20 coolant protectors. A pre-finished linear axis system from Schunk is the key to flexible grinding wheel handling in minimum space.

Using the Schunk system, the shortest changeover time for an individual combination of wheel and protector within the storage rack (during processing time) is just 28 seconds, while the actual change on to the machine is carried out in a time of 10 seconds. Furthermore, milling cutters can be handled using the system, helping users to machine small contours or radii that cannot be reached with grinding wheels. As a safety door interface separates the machine from the storage rack (to protect it from oil mist), a shuttle table is used instead of the conventional machine tool changer.
The interfering contour-optimised axis system was designed by Schunk, and includes valve terminals, cable tracks and the connection to central lubrication. Two multi-tooth guided Schunk PGN-plus universal grippers take on the varied handling of the grinding wheels and coolant protectors. The gripping technology ensures that the tools are safely held in the event of a power failure.
With the aid of a Schunk swivel unit SRU-plus, the bottom gripper can be used both in combination with grinding wheel and coolant protector, and for removing and filling the individual grinding wheels and milling cutters.
In the Z-direction, a Schunk Delta 240C spindle axis is used, which is fitted with a rod lock, extendable spindle and shaft encoder.
For further information www.schunk.com

Software helps GT Grinding stay ahead

GT Grinding’s continual quest to meet a growing order book, and to improve service delivery levels in the manufacture of special-purpose tooling, as well as tool regrinds for customers across the UK, has led the tooling specialist to invest in a Walter Helitronic Power tool grinder.

Supplied by Walter Ewag UK, the machine is capable of processing rotary tools from 3 to 320 mm diameters, and up to 350 mm long. Complementing three other Helitronic machines at the company’s Oldham site, the new Power is equipped with an Eco Loader and wheelchanger, as well as the latest version of Walter’s Tool Studio programming software, to ensure that GT Grinding “stays ahead in the design, modification and grinding of rotary tooling”, according to works manager Andy Cooper.
He adds: “This latest machine will undoubtedly also help us to make further inroads into our manufacturing and regrinding operation, especially of routers for the woodworking and plastics industries. The Tool Studio software will play a key role, too.”
With integrated wizard technology for ease of use, Tool Studio 3 includes a host of new routines for ‘what you see you can grind’ tool production simulation, parameter changes and operation for Helitronic Power users. The software is combined with the benefits of automatic non-stop production via the Eco Loader – which is located on the machine work table and can accommodate 20 tools as standard – and up to 165 tools in the Eco Loader Plus configuration. In GT Grinding’s case, this includes the machining of solid-carbide and HSS tools such as special form cutters and slitters, as well as ‘conventional’ drills, milling cutters and reamers.
For further information www.walter-machines.com

Blank preparation grinder introduced

Capable of achieving a surface finish better than 0.2 Ra with run out of less than 2 µm, the new four-axis Anca CPX Linear blank preparation grinder uses the pinch-peel method of grinding.

Simon Richardson, product manager at Anca, says: “We have taken the best aspects of our technology to build a fantastic machine. For example, our specially designed polymer concrete base provides the utmost stability in our grinding process, so we took that and used it in the CPX Linear model.
“We are known for our ongoing dedication to research, as well as our commitment to ensure that Anca technology surpasses customer needs,” he adds. “This is another major milestone in our approach, providing a complementary machine for the full grinding process. Our customers asked and we listened; designing our own blank preparation machine.”
Anca’s LinX linear motor technology for axis motion (X, Y and V axes), in conjunction with linear scales, is designed for a lifetime of operation in harsh grinding environments. LinX motors have a cylindrical magnetic field, which means there is no additional down force on the rails or machine base.
With no temperature variations (meaning no need for a separate chiller unit), and being sealed to IP67, there is minimal wear and tear so that machine accuracy is retained over the lifetime of the Anca CPX Linear.
With a peak power of 43 kW, the grinding spindle for roughing uses a 250 mm diameter wheel, ensuring high-volume stock removal in a short cycle time. The finishing spindle uses a 150 mm diameter wheel supplying a peak power of 9.7 kW.
For further information www.anca.com

Orbital reaches 30

Since its inception in 1988, Orbital Fabrications has been offering specialised orbital welding and advanced fabrication to a variety of clients within sectors such as aerospace.

Now employing 55 staff, Orbital Fabrications aims to maintain future sustainable growth and expansion, and has recently invested £120,000 in expanding its facility by adding 3500 sq ft. Another recent investment of £95,000 has been made in a computer controlled welding system that permits wire feed and lathe welding. Also, a new apprenticeship scheme is currently underway with two apprentices in situ and more planned for the future.
For further information www.orbitalfabrications.co.uk