Vollmer says its new VGrind Infinity Linear tool grinding machine can precisely, quickly and energy-efficiently machine precision tools with diameters from 0.2 to 200 mm from different materials such as carbide, HSS, PcBN or ceramic. Automation and digital capabilities enable unmanned operation around the clock, from small batch sizes and special solutions to series production.

The foundation for precise sharpening processes consists of two vertically configured grinding spindles, which enable efficient multi-level machining and thus resolve issues associated with fixed and floating bearings commonly found in competitor machines. Furthermore, the grinding wheel set at the pivot point of the C axis and the wear-free linear induction motors on the X, Y, and Z axes ensure a lifetime of accuracy and stability.

Thanks to the configurable spindles, tool manufacturers can customise both the speed and power for the tool and cutting material. The optimised spindle transmission ratio guarantees a constant torque, which is delivered by the compact, powerful and energy-efficient motor.

The rigidity of the VGrind Infinity Linear and the intelligent cooling concept, which ensures thermal stability with plate heat exchangers, deliver the required tool precision. If necessary, the machine also runs through a defined warm-up program for thermal stability at the start of a shift. As soon as all monitored operating parameters are within the target range, scheduled production starts automatically.

In terms of tool dimensions, the VGrind Infinity Linear is capable of machining micro tools with diameters from 0.2 mm up to large drills and milling cutters with diameters of 200 mm – all with tool lengths of up to 360 mm.

More information www.vollmer-group.com/en-uk

Industrial ceramics are essential in many high-performance applications due to their exceptional hardness, thermal stability and chemical resistance. However, hardness up to 1800 Hv makes machining after sintering nearly impossible except by grinding, which is a relatively expensive process and limits the geometric complexity of components.

BCE Special Ceramics GmbH in Mannheim has now successfully broken this barrier using a high-speed (42,000 rpm) Roeders RXP 501 DS trunnion-type five-axis machining centre. It is achieving the required micron-levels of precision by both milling and grinding, reducing cost and allowing more sophisticated machined features. Hurco Europe is the UK and Ireland agent for the German machine manufacturer.

Founded in 1986, BCE specialises in high-precision components made from ceramics such as aluminium oxide, zirconia and composite ceramics like ATZ and ZTA. The company serves industries ranging from medical to aerospace, producing custom parts from single prototypes to medium-size series. Larger volumes are outsourced to specialist partners.

Dr Torsten Prescher, application engineer at BCE, says: “When we researched the market for machining centre platforms able to mill as well as grind our ceramic materials, Roeders stood out for its in-house development of control systems and machine components, which allow unmatched contouring accuracy. The roundness of our machined holes is to within 1 µm, for example.”

Roeders machining centres use direct drives, linear guideways and protective sealing to avoid ingress of abrasive ceramic dust. Both manual and CADCAM programming is supported, allowing operators to choose the most efficient workflow. The machine is supplied with built-in grinding cycles, a dressing spindle and acoustic sensors for process monitoring.

BCE’s managing director Dr Torsten Weiss says: “We can now machine sintered ceramics into geometries previously unheard of, with high precision and lower production costs.”

More information www.hurco.com/gb