New radial bristle brushes

With an extremely limited number of other suppliers for radial bristle brushes on the market, Tyrolit is now the exclusive industrial distributor of Sunburst radial bristle brushes in Europe. Since joining in partnership with US-based Dedeco in 2021, Tyrolit has the sole rights to sell Sunburst products in the UK and Ireland, bringing competition into a previously exclusive market, while adding an extended range to Tyrolit’s surface conditioning portfolio.

As a manufacturer of specialty abrasives since 1937, Dedeco introduced the Sunburst range back in 2017; whereby there was only one other supplier for these products anywhere in the world. These thermoplastic abrasive bristle discs and brushes are suitable for deburring, cleaning, finishing and polishing. They provide an alternative to wire and nylon solutions, while improving performance in a safer, more efficient and flexible way. These products are available individually or in assortments of multiple shapes and sizes, with sizes ranging from 36 grit to 1 µm.

The flexible bristles conform to contours, cracks and corners, while working equally well on flat surfaces. With durability for long working life, the blended bristles guarantee extended wear and a consistent, smooth finish. Bristle Brushes are not only more efficient than wire brushes, they also work faster, easily achieving a constant, quality finish with lighter pressure. Through a cool-running feature, the brushes generate minimal heat, reducing potential damage or distortion to the work surface. Applications include the removal of weld burns, discolouration, corrosion, grinding marks, stains, adhesives, paint and other surface contaminants.
For further information www.tyrolit.co.uk

Vollmer launches 5S campaign

At the first ever GrindingHub international trade fair for grinding technology in Stuttgart last month, sharpening specialist Vollmer presented its 5S campaign: sharp, smart, sustainable, social, strong.

Vollmer grinding, eroding and laser machines are backed up by smart and digital services, ensuring maximum sharpness. Thanks to sustainable technologies, the company plays its part in environmental sustainability. Social refers both to the increased importance of social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube, and to the social links between Vollmer and its customers, suppliers and employees, as well as its efforts to support young people. The company uses events and webinars to maintain a strong position as a technology leader, while continually improving the efficiency of its machines and services.

The GrindingHub 2022 exhibition also marked the world premiere of three new VGrind grinding machines, suitable for machining carbide tools. These machines apply the tried-and-tested technology of the VGrind range: they are also based on the innovative double-spindle concept, which enables precise and efficient multi-level machining thanks to two vertical spindles. By expanding its machine range in the area of tool machining, Vollmer can more precisely address the individual needs of its customers.

In addition, Vollmer has added two new machines to its range for grinding circular saw blades. These models are suited to machining tooth faces and tooth tops, as well as the flanks of carbide-tipped saw teeth with a wide range of geometries. The machines feature intuitive operation, enabling users to learn sharpening processes almost instantly. They can be combined with tried-and-tested Vollmer automation solutions for round-the-clock operation without manual intervention.
For further information www.vollmer-group.com

Okamoto delivers pace and precision

Blackpool-based Beechwood Engineering recently upgraded its surface grinding provision with the addition of an Okamoto ACC 64 GX surface grinding machine from UK agent DF Precision Machinery.

Explaining the reasons behind the machine’s installation, engineering director Stewart Churchill says: “By using the latest machine tool technology, our skilled staff are committed to ensuring that every component is manufactured to the highest possible standards. Also, as we expand, in order to remain at the forefront of technology, we continuously update our plant list.

“In addition to serving customers operating in the general engineering sectors we also have clients working in demanding industries such as the aerospace, automotive, medical, Formula One and nuclear,” he continues. “Surface grinding is often the last process our workpieces undergo and many of the components we manufacture have very exacting specifications relating to dimensional accuracy, profile precision and surface finish.”

As part of the company’s quest to upgrade its capabilities on a continuous basis, Beechwood recently looked at the available advanced surface grinders with a view to replace an older machine with a model that would improve surface grinding precision and efficiency standards.

“After narrowing our search down to two machines we chose to purchase the Okamoto ACC 64 GX surface grinding machine,” says Churchill. “In addition to being aware of Okamoto’s reputation for machine quality, we considered that the ACC 64 GX was able to deliver the speed, ease of use, and precision standards we were seeking. Also, it helped that the knowledgeable employees of UK Okamoto distributor, DF Precision Machinery, were extremely helpful from our initial enquiry, through to the machine’s installation and operator training.”
For further information www.dfpmach.com

Mazak installs another Studer grinder

Having used Studer grinding machines for its high-precision grinding tasks for many years, machine tool manufacturer Mazak recently installed a Studer S41 CNC universal cylindrical grinding machine at the company’s Worcester-based European manufacturing plant.

On the rare occasion that the need for a machine tool cannot by satisfied from Mazak’s product portfolio, the required production aid is submitted to a rigorous selection procedure. When comparing the offerings from five leading grinding machine manufacturers, this list included: high-precision dimensional and surface finish capabilities, efficiency, flexibility, and thread-grinding abilities.

Having carefully evaluated each machine, it was found that only the Studer S41 CNC universal cylindrical grinding machine met, and in some cases exceeded, Mazak’s list of operational criteria. Furthermore, the levels of support previously provided by Studer and the company’s UK agent, Micronz, aided Mazak’s purchasing decision.

“Our new Studer S41 will be used for the highly precise external grinding of various components, including parts that have single figure micron dimensional tolerances, such as our spindles,” explains Michal Saletra, new investment lead for the UK at Mazak. “In addition, many of our components have demanding geometric and surface finish specifications, including parameters such as roundness and roughness. As all of these attributes require grinding to an extremely high degree of accuracy, we have been very impressed with the highly-precise results, and the speed and ease of operation of our new S41 machine.”

He adds: “Another major reason for the Studer S41’s purchase was its ability to very accurately and efficiently grind external threads. Previously we were using a subcontractor for much of this work.”
For further information www.micronz.co.uk

GrindingHub debut a resounding success

GrindingHub 2022, a new biennial four-day exhibition in Stuttgart, concluded last month with organisers heralding the event a major success. Under the banner of ‘Brings Solutions to the Surface’, more than 370 exhibitors showcased their latest grinding technology innovations, products and solutions across almost 18,000 sq m of exhibition space. A total of 9500 visitors crowded into the three fully booked halls, with around 40% coming from abroad.

Manufacturers from 23 countries pulled out all the stops for the debut event. They exhibited numerous grinding-related innovations, everything from new tool concepts through to advanced processes, procedures and interface technologies. An impressive sight was the total of more than 240 machines that worked live at the exhibition ground, many of them on large and prestigious stands.

GrindingHub attracted visitors from all over the world, with a focus on other European countries, but also from South Korea, Brazil, Mexico, the USA and many more. Roland Bleinroth, managing director of Messe Stuttgart, welcomed the international popularity and sees further growth potential: “We had people from 56 countries as guests at the exhibition centre; a really great result,” he says. “There were also visitors from Asia. We see great potential for the next events in the Asian and American markets. We’re now tackling these in partnership with the VDW.”

Looking ahead to 2024, VDW executive director Wilfried Schäfer says: “GrindingHub is here to stay. We want to improve the trade fair and make it even better for our exhibitors, to raise its international profile and position GrindingHub as the number one event for the sector in the world.”

The next GrindingHub will take place on 14-17 May 2024 in Stuttgart.
For further information www.grindinghub.de