The cutting material PcBN(polycrystalline cubic boron nitride)is both ultra-hard and extremely temperature-resistant, making it a challenge to process. To enable cutting tool manufacturers to grind PcBN cutting edges with high levels of precision, users of the Vollmer VGrind 360S tool grinder can now take advantage of an optional dressing unit.

By adapting its VGrind 360S grinding machine, the sharpening specialist can make it suitable for machining PcBN tools. Considered the hardest cutting material in the world after PCD (polycrystalline diamond), PcBN can achieve an operating life of up to 25 times longer than solid-carbide tools. In fact, PcBN retains almost all of its original hardness at temperatures up to 1200°C.

The VGrind 360S grinding machine is positioned for the precise machining of PcBN tools with its stable wall concept and rigid, compact design. High system rigidity, in combination with the drive of the X, Y and Zaxes via linear induction motors, allows tool manufacturers to machine a PcBN cutting edge with the grinding wheel oscillating across its contact surface for a chip-free, high-quality surface.

To support the processing of this ultra-hard material, the optional dressing unit for the grinding wheel on the VGrind 360S means that after roughing the PcBN cutting edge, the dressing unit re-profiles the grinding wheel to regain its precise concentricity and correct geometric shape. Subsequent finishing operations give the PcBN tool the desired surface finish and geometric accuracy.

Customers can also retrofit the optional dressing unit with software updates to existing VGrind 360S machines. Tool manufacturers can carry out the installation independently or with the support of the Vollmer service team in just a few simple steps.

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

BMW’s plant in Dingolfing has integrated an RST 200-S15 indexing satellite table shot-blast machine from Rösler into a new manufacturing line for E-vehicle gear components. The company decided to purchase the Rösler equipment because it had excellent experience with machines of the same type regarding productivity, process stability and ease of maintenance.

The rotary table of the compact shot-blast machine contains 15 rotating satellite stations equipped with workpiece-specific fixtures. Depending on the workpiece type, a component loading/unloading system supplied by the customer places one or several parts on the satellite stations. Thanks to the machine’s design, non-productive idle times are minimal.

After loading, workpieces pass through multiple stations in the shot-blast machine at indexing cycles of 20 seconds. These stations include two blast positions. Special lifting gates prevent any spillage of blast media into other stations. During the peening operation, the satellites rotate at pre-set speeds in front of the blast turbines. In combination with automatic blast pattern adjustment to the respective workpiece shape, this ensures the realisation of homogeneous peening results. A compressed-air cleaning station placed in front of the loading/unloading section blows off dust and residual blast media from the finished components.

The master computer of the manufacturing lineselects the workpiece-specific processing programs, including the setting of the turbine position and blast pattern. For this purpose, the controls of the peening machine were integrated into the upper-level computer system at BMW in Dingolfing. 

To meet the automotive industry’s high standards regarding process stability and traceability, the machine’s controls allow the continuous monitoring of all relevant shot-blasting parameters. Replenishment of the blast media also takes place automatically.

More information www.rosler.com