Superabrasive specialist Engis is releasing its EVG series of high-precision vertical grinding machines for the production of ultra-smooth surfaces. These machines can grind advanced materials to a high degree of precision in flatness and surface quality, greatly reducing or even eliminating the need for subsequent lapping.

Ideal applications for EVG series machines include semiconductor wafer grinding or back-thinning (SiC, GaAs, Sapphire, Si, GaN, AIN, InP), semiconductor equipment components, glass ceramic, as well as substrates for semiconductor packaging, including MEMS (ceramic, polyimide).

Engis EVG machines are available in three different models, the EVG-200, EVG-250 and EVG-300, all of which offer a PLC, 400 rpm work table speed and 2000 rpm max wheel speed.

Advanced machine control options are available, providing automated grinding wheel dressing, automated positioning of the grinding wheel relative to the workpiece and workpiece thickness measurement. For maximum control, an upgrade to in-process thickness measurement with feedback to the grinding cycle in real time is also available.

The most advanced model offers automated thickness options: multi-point contact probing for multiple wafer grinding or a choice of contact or non-contact continuous in-process measurement for single wafer machining.

EVG Series machines are equipped with Engis grinding wheels based on mixed abrasive diamond (MAD) wheel technology, which tailors the wheel to the material in cut. Engis specialist application engineers can provide specific process recommendations for particular materials and applications.

For further information
www.engis.com

With its new high-pressure waterjet deburring system FlexJet HD, Karl Roll GmbH has developed an efficient solution for deburring and cleaning in one work step. Burrs and chips are easily removable, along with welding beads and layers of paint and scale. Individually adapted nozzle systems guarantee a high degree of workpiece versatility and, at the same time, high precision for reproducible results.

Deburring machined components is a challenge due to areas that are difficult to access, such as internal and intersecting holes, deep and small holes, undercuts, and blind holes. Karl Roll GmbH has developed the FlexJet HD series for these tasks. The system enables deburring and cleaning with a water pressure of around 500 bar in one work step.

The rotary table integrated in the treatment chamber of the new system can accommodate components with a diameter of up to 450 mm and a maximum height of 550 mm, while the maximum workpiece weight including the clamping device is 100 kg. These capacities make it possible to handle, for example, an engine block for a four-cylinder engine or several small parts.

For a precise and reproducible result, the workpiece can be rotated during the process as required and moved along the X axis. At the same time, the nozzles can move along the Y and Z axes. It is also possible to direct the water jet flat for deburring and cleaning larger surfaces.

State-of-the-art control technology positions the CNC axes. Users can program the process sequence offline using G-code and a teach-in solution via a 15-inch control panel. There is also the option of programming with a handheld terminal.

For further information
www.karl-roll.de

A Black Country manufacturer that puts the finish on boutique hotels, nuclear reactors and life-saving medical equipment has just completed its latest investment drive. Professional Polishing Services (PPS), which has increased its workforce by 25% since lockdown eased, has installed a new dull polishing line to help it boost capacity and achieve its target of £2m sales by the end of 2022.

PPS has spent over £250,000 on the latest purchase and this gives it the capability to apply a variety of finishes, such as dull polish and satin finish, on to stainless steel, aluminium, brass and copper sheet. The investment comes just two years after it took ownership of new extraction equipment, pick and place systems and two Autopilot PHA bright polishers with automated handling, acquisitions that were only operational for six months before Covid-19 struck.

“Like many firms, we’ve had to withstand some tough times over the past 18 months, but the recovery is now back on and we’re trying to put in place the technology we need to meet escalating demand from pretty much every sector, including automotive, construction, food and drink, nuclear and leisure,” explains Kirsty Davies-Chinnock, managing director of PPS.

“More than £750,000 has been invested in reinforcing our position as a market leader in the past three years and we’re confident this will play a key role in us achieving record performance over the next 12 months,” she adds.

The company’s reputation for quality – all processes are governed by ISO 9001 – and its commitment to fast lead times has seen it grow sales by £500,000 in the past 12 months, taking it to £1.7m by the financial year-end.

For further information
www.professionalpolishing.co.uk