Just 25 km lies between Ehingen-based tool manufacturer Schrode CNC-Werkzeugschleiftechnik and Biberach-based sharpening machine specialist Vollmer.

Both companies have had sharpening in their blood for generations: Vollmer develops grinding and erosion machines, while Schrode manufactures cutting tools for metals, composites or wood. Schrode’s list of customers includes companies from the automotive, tool manufacturing, mechanical engineering and medical technology sectors. To machine its carbide tools, the toolmaker uses two Vollmer VGrind 360 grinding machines with automation solutions, making true 24/7 unmanned production possible.
“At the core of our company today is a highly motivated team of 10 employees, combined with my father’s experience and my youthful enthusiasm,” says Christian Schrode, CEO at Schrode CNC-Werkzeugschleiftechnik. “Sharpening has been in our blood for five generations, and it has made us a reliable and flexible partner in the fiercely competitive tool-sharpening technology market.”
Schrode develops carbide-tipped tools such as milling cutters, drills, step drills and special tools with diameters of 0.2 to 100 mm. Batch sizes range from 1 to 5000-off.
“One of our strengths is the production of individual special tools that we develop in collaboration with our customers,” says Schrode. “We believe that it is important to cover the entire value-added chain when it comes to CNC tool grinding, from designing the tools and manufacturing, right through to aftersales services, such as regrinding.”
To manufacture its carbide cutters, two years ago Schrode opted to invest in two Vollmer VGrind 360 tool-grinding machines. With the HP 160 automation solution, Schrode can produce its tools around the clock in an unmanned operation. Thanks to the two vertically arranged spindles, the VGrind 360 enables efficient machining to be carried out on multiple levels, which can reduce non-productive times.
For further information www.vollmer-group.com

As part of its growth plans, ActOn Finishing is launching a new partnership with Spanish industrial company, Gpainnova. The partnership will enable ActOn to supply DLyte surface finishing technology to the manufacturing sector, including the healthcare, aerospace, automotive, 3D printing and motorsport industries.

The DLyte machine combines grinding and polishing in a one-step process to produce smooth and shiny finished parts. Applications include metal components which require high performance or superior finishes, made from materials such as steel and stainless-steel, cobalt chrome, titanium, nickel, and other common metal alloys.
DLyte technology is the first dry electropolishing system of its kind, and the collaboration is set to have a huge impact on the British manufacturing sector by reducing polishing times by around 75%. The new polishing concept will also improve the corrosion/oxidation resistance, lifespan and friction of a part.
Sid Gulati, operations director at ActOn Finishing, says the DLyte fits perfectly with the firm’s existing range of mass finishing products: “We presently manufacture all surface finishing machines in the UK, so distributing the DLyte will complement our current offering as we look to grow the business. We’re confident that through this collaboration we can offer an advanced process solution and help our customers overcome challenges in finishing their components. Already we have added the DLyte 100I to our test lab so our clients can try out the new technology.”
For further information www.acton-finishing.co.uk

Lach Diamant has produced a grinding wheel for the tooth-face grinding of circular saw blades that is said to be more cost-efficient while maintaining high precision. The novel carrier system with 3D geometry and extended grinding layer surface is said to allow for effortless grinding of even the smallest tooth gaps.

Until now, the grinding of rake surfaces on carbide-tipped saws frequently fell short of requirements, especially regarding stability and efficiency. According to Lach Diamant, the new DragonFly grinding wheel offers higher in-feeds and feed rates to reduce grinding times, while producing high-quality, even rake surfaces without any ‘buckling’. Indeed, the vibration-absorbing and stable base body presents another innovation.
The DragonFly grinding wheel provides steady and secure grinding of carbide-tipped saws, as one user confirms: “The DragonFly wheel grinds without any problems, is very precise and has a significantly higher lifetime than all previous wheels.”
The DragonFly wheel (for tooth-face grinding) is accompanied by the DragonFly Back Cruiser for back grinding as well as the DragonFly Flank Cruiser for side grinding (from left to right).
DragonFly wheels are based on diamond abrasive technology. For many years, diamonds – preferably polycrystalline synthetic diamonds (PCD) – have been proven superior to carbide in machining. PCD offers high levels of wear protection, allowing users to profit from its elevated hardness.
For further information www.lach-diamant.de