Advanced Grinding Solutions at EMO

Advanced Grinding Solutions (AGS) had no less than 10 of its machine manufacturing partners exhibiting at the recent EMO 2019 exhibition in Hanover: Rollomatic (tool grinders); Bahmuller and Tschudin (internal/external and centreless grinders); HandlingTech (automatic loading systems); Gerber and Magnetfinish (deburring machines); FLP (lapping and fine-grinding machines); Nova (external/internal grinders); Platit (coating machines); and Comat (filtration systems).

Rollomatic showed many tool grinders, including its six-axis 830XW for manufacturing large diameter cutting tools that has a novel combination of hydrostatic guides and linear motors for high levels of surface finish. Also of major interest was the Rollomatic LaserSmart 501 machine for machining PCD, CVD, and natural diamond tools. The 501’s machining speed is stated as being up to four times faster for processing multiple features such as cutting edges, chip breakers, and cylindrical lands in one operation. The machine has four cameras for complete and easy viewing of all laser operations. Rollomatic also used the show to debut its NP50 machine for the grinding of cutting-tool blanks.
Tschudin was exhibiting its latest ‘Cube’ grinder, which is stated as being the world’s smallest CNC centreless grinding machine, while HandlingTech displayed various loaders for machines, including its advanced palletZ and ecoZ models.
Platit exhibited its most flexible coating machine, the Pi 411 Plus, while Gerber focused on three brushing machines for deburring components, including the new Eco-Innovation, which received its worldwide debut.
For further information www.advancedgrindingsolutions.co.uk

Grinding experts combine resources

Okuma, which is represented in the UK by NCMT, and German grinding expert Dr Kaiser Diamantwerkzeuge GmbH, have jointly developed a grinding system that is said to offer a number of advanced wheel dressing functions. Dr Kaiser and Okuma can look back on a successful co-operation having previously created a special app to determine optimal dressing parameters. Now, Dr Kaiser has developed a vitrified CBN grinding wheel, a dressing spindle system and the related dressing tools for an Okuma GP25W x65 CNC grinding machine.

Once installed, the Dr Kaiser C72FCA2 dressing spindle is connected to the OSP-P300G Okuma control via Profinet. With its output of 1.3 kW, the dressing spindle achieves a steady circumferential spindle speed during synchronous dressing, as well as during counter-rotation dressing.
During the dressing cycle, the control receives process data from the dressing spindle. The spindle is equipped with integrated acoustic emission sensors that detect when the dresser and grinding wheel come into contact. As the sensors can determine contact in the micrometre range, the system allows for correct alignment of the axes. This capability reduces air-grinding time, minimises wear on the diamond dressing tool and ensures defined abrasion of the grinding wheel.
Operating the system is simple because the Okuma control visualises all dressing process data and allows for the optimal adjustment of all parameters. Changes made by the operator, or variables recorded in real time, are automatically translated by the control into an NC program.
For further information www.ncmt.co.uk

£100,000 facility

A historic building converted into a £100,000 training facility at Tees Components has been officially opened by the leader of Redcar & Cleveland Council, Mary Lanigan.

In total, the investment has created seven training stations, which feature manual and CNC turning, manual and CNC milling, surface grinding and bench work. The development includes the introduction of two new machine tools – an XYZ CNC and DRO manual mode milling machine, and a Colchester Harrison M300 manual lathe. In addition, the centre includes a workshop classroom area complete with IT facilities.
For further information https://teescomponents.co.uk/

Innovation award for DMG Mori

DMG Mori has been honoured with this year’s innovation award from the German Association for Supply Chain Management, Procurement and Logistics (Bundesverband Materialwirtschaft, Einkauf und Logistik – BME).

The award was presented to the company for its successful purchasing and logistics management in front of some 2000 guests in Berlin. DMG Mori’s award-winning concept impressed the judges with its automated order transactions, global matrix organisation with regional purchasing units, and integrated IT solutions. The entire value chain is now networked.
For further information www.dmgmori.com

Ross Brawn opens OAS training centre

Ross Brawn OBE, a legend in the field of motorsport, has officially opened the new Oxfordshire Advanced Skills (OAS) Training Centre, which is run by the Manufacturing Technology Centre, on the UKAEA Culham site in Oxfordshire.

Coventry-based MTC Apprenticeships has been procured by the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) to provide training to hundreds of apprentices in the new OAS centre. Brawn, who is currently managing director of Formula One’s Motor Sports division, began his career as an apprentice with the UK Atomic Energy Authority.
For further information www.oas.ukaea.uk