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

Automated blasting for e-transmission parts

For the expansion of its transmission production facility for electric vehicles (EVs), a German automotive supplier has purchased a new continuous-feed blast machine from Rösler that includes fully automatic workpiece handling. The customer chose the Rösler equipment, because it offered high productivity, is easy to maintain and has a long service life.

The workpieces in question consist of various toothed EV transmission components that are deburred using the Rösler continuous feed-wire mesh belt-blast machine. At the start of the deburring operation the workpieces are placed manually on two storage units, which are part of the component transport system. After an integrated camera system has confirmed the correct transport position, the parts are positioned precisely on the wire mesh belt in lots of three and continuously transported through the shot-blast machine. Upon completion of the shot-blast process, a powerful blow-off system completely removes any residual blast media from the workpieces.

In the next step, the now deburred components are transferred to a buffering station consisting of a conveyor belt. Here, the workpieces are precisely repositioned so that a robot can pick up four parts at a time and place them in layers into suitably staged workpiece bins. Whenever a layer is complete, the robot picks up an intermediate cardboard sheet and places it in the bin. Completely filled or, in case of a workpiece change, partially filled bins are automatically removed from the robot working area. This allows the operator to safely remove them from the manufacturing cell with a lift cart.

The shot-blasting machine was designed for three-shift operation allowing cycle times of less than eight seconds per workpiece.
For further information www.rosler.com