The white trade fair roof with logo was visible from afar at EMO 2019 last month, guiding visitors to the stand where Vollmer was presenting its latest technologies and innovations. Vollmer unveiled two machines at the show: the VHybrid 360 grinding and erosion machine, and the VGrind 340S grinding machine.

Beginning with the VHybrid 360, this machine can be used to produce solid carbide and PCD cutting tools in a single set up. With the newly devised Vollmer tool manager, users can manage the automatic switching of up to eight grinding or eroding wheels intuitively. VHybrid 360 is based on multi-layer machining, which is implemented through two vertically arranged spindles. The bottom spindle can be used for both grinding and eroding, while the top spindle is reserved exclusively for grinding. Vollmer’s key erosion component is the VPulse EDM generator.
The VGrind 340S grinding machine, suitable for machining even the smallest carbide tools, was also presented in Hanover for the first time. Drills and milling cutters with diameters of 0.3 mm or larger, which are in high demand in the automotive, electronics and medical device sectors, can be sharpened using the VGrind 340S. The machine features two vertical spindles.
Five harmonised CNC axes achieve interpolation with short travel distances for the linear axes and swivel ranges, which in turn reduces the time required to machine workpieces. Solutions for automation, such as pallet magazines or free-arm robots, ensure that machining can continue unattended around
the clock.
For further information www.vollmer-group.com

Even though Nagel is primarily known as a partner in honing, the company boasts a broad portfolio of superfinishing machines, the latest addition to which is the economical NaCen machine platform. NaCen was specifically developed for small and mid-sized shops seeking a high degree of flexibility and affordability.

OEMs often turn to external suppliers for low and medium production runs as they are typically geared for higher volumes. Low volumes and frequent changeovers adversely impact OEM operations. For the latter, the challenge is to tool up with the right kind of cost-effective equipment so that frequent changeovers can be managed effectively without sacrificing quality.
“The NaCen machines are precisely tailored to such users,” states Christian Munzinger, sales manager at Nagel. “Rz values of less than 0.25 µm, with almost 100% bearing area ratios, can be consistently achieved.”
The NaCen machine platform stands for ‘Nagel Centre’ – meaning machining between centres. This machine concept is suitable for finishing numerous undulating components. With a maximum centre distance of 650 mm, all parts typically superfinished in passenger cars, such as camshafts, transmission shafts, gears, rotors, balance shafts and oil pump shafts, can be processed. Gear faces and similar flat surfaces can also be finished on this equipment.
Up to four finishing heads can be mounted on the machine base. The finishing module can either be a tape head or a stone head, or a combination of both. Tape is continuously indexed during the finishing cycle to expose fresh abrasive. The rate at which it is pulled can be adjusted via the HMI.
Various electrical interfaces are available for automating the machine, while loading is possible from four sides (front, rear, right and top). The machine is also equipped with an integral 200-litre filtration system.
For further information www.nagel.com

Okamoto Machine Tool Europe introduced a range of new machines and programme upgrades at last month’s EMO exhibition in Hanover. The company is exclusively represented in the UK and Ireland by Jones & Shipman Hardinge, and its machines complement those manufactured by Hardinge grinding sector companies Kellenberger, Hauser, Tschudin, Usach and Voumard.

Being exhibited for the first time was the new ACC-63SA1 surface grinder. This model replaces the popular Okamoto SA series and is available in six table sizes: 500 x 200 mm, up to 1000 x 500 mm.
Machines in the ACC-SA1 series feature a touchscreen colour graphic control for implementing surface grinding operations with ease. The control enables a fully automatic grinding operation for standard surface grinding or shift plunge surface grinding, with automatic compensated dressing from the table for even higher autonomy and productivity.
ACC-SA1 machines have a robust, rigid cast-iron construction with high static and dynamic stiffness, and excellent damping characteristics, says Okamoto. The hydraulically driven table features double V slideways with minimal overhang and non-contact switches for table reversal. All slideways have automatic lubrication.
Okamoto also introduced an improved GX range, which is the next generation of its DX surface and profile grinders. The upgraded machines feature a new colour scheme and improved table enclosure.
All six machines in the range feature the established Okamoto control for fully automatic grinding operations. Grinding methods are selected via switches on the main panel, while feed rates and feed change points can be set and adjusted at any time by a potentiometer.
For further information https://www.hardinge.com/jones-shipman/