Feature on Grinding and Surface Finishing

VGrind Infinity Linear masters infinite tool grinding

Vollmer says its new VGrind Infinity Linear tool grinding machine can precisely, quickly and energy-efficiently machine precision tools with diameters from 0.2 to 200 mm from different materials such as carbide, HSS, PcBN or ceramic. Automation and digital capabilities enable unmanned operation around the clock, from small batch sizes and special solutions to series production.

The foundation for precise sharpening processes consists of two vertically configured grinding spindles, which enable efficient multi-level machining and thus resolve issues associated with fixed and floating bearings commonly found in competitor machines. Furthermore, the grinding wheel set at the pivot point of the C axis and the wear-free linear induction motors on the X, Y, and Z axes ensure a lifetime of accuracy and stability.

Thanks to the configurable spindles, tool manufacturers can customise both the speed and power for the tool and cutting material. The optimised spindle transmission ratio guarantees a constant torque, which is delivered by the compact, powerful and energy-efficient motor.

The rigidity of the VGrind Infinity Linear and the intelligent cooling concept, which ensures thermal stability with plate heat exchangers, deliver the required tool precision. If necessary, the machine also runs through a defined warm-up program for thermal stability at the start of a shift. As soon as all monitored operating parameters are within the target range, scheduled production starts automatically.

In terms of tool dimensions, the VGrind Infinity Linear is capable of machining micro tools with diameters from 0.2 mm up to large drills and milling cutters with diameters of 200 mm – all with tool lengths of up to 360 mm.

More information www.vollmer-group.com/en-uk

Milling and grinding of ceramics in one set-up

Industrial ceramics are essential in many high-performance applications due to their exceptional hardness, thermal stability and chemical resistance. However, hardness up to 1800 Hv makes machining after sintering nearly impossible except by grinding, which is a relatively expensive process and limits the geometric complexity of components.

BCE Special Ceramics GmbH in Mannheim has now successfully broken this barrier using a high-speed (42,000 rpm) Roeders RXP 501 DS trunnion-type five-axis machining centre. It is achieving the required micron-levels of precision by both milling and grinding, reducing cost and allowing more sophisticated machined features. Hurco Europe is the UK and Ireland agent for the German machine manufacturer.

Founded in 1986, BCE specialises in high-precision components made from ceramics such as aluminium oxide, zirconia and composite ceramics like ATZ and ZTA. The company serves industries ranging from medical to aerospace, producing custom parts from single prototypes to medium-size series. Larger volumes are outsourced to specialist partners.

Dr Torsten Prescher, application engineer at BCE, says: “When we researched the market for machining centre platforms able to mill as well as grind our ceramic materials, Roeders stood out for its in-house development of control systems and machine components, which allow unmatched contouring accuracy. The roundness of our machined holes is to within 1 µm, for example.”

Roeders machining centres use direct drives, linear guideways and protective sealing to avoid ingress of abrasive ceramic dust. Both manual and CADCAM programming is supported, allowing operators to choose the most efficient workflow. The machine is supplied with built-in grinding cycles, a dressing spindle and acoustic sensors for process monitoring.


BCE’s managing director Dr Torsten Weiss says: “We can now machine sintered ceramics into geometries previously unheard of, with high precision and lower production costs.”

More information www.hurco.com/gb

Angular Plunge-Cut Grinder Improves Production

Over the past 50 years, Wandel CNC-Technik GmbH has developed into an established supplier with its own product portfolio. The Swabian family business, which is now managed by the second generation, has continuously expanded its production spectrum: from milling to turning and grinding. By investing in an EMAG WPG 7 angular plunge-cut grinding machine, the company has expanded its grinding capacities in a targeted manner.

Wandel has 23 employees and produces between 15,000 and 20,000 components per month. The product range includes forged blanks, drive shafts and intermediate flanges for the commercial vehicle industry, as well as classic machine components such as worm shafts. In the grinding area, the company concentrates on symmetrical or round components with diameters ranging from 10 to 150 mm, and lengths of up to 1,000 mm.

The WPG 7 is the fourth grinding machine to be added to the company’s machine park. It was purchased specifically for the machining of flange nuts, for which angular plunge-cut grinding is a technological requirement. The machine is designed for batches of between 20 and 200 pieces and is re-tooled up to twice a day at high capacity.

The decision for a dedicated angular plunge-cut grinding machine was based on several factors: Wandel already had a straight plunge-cut grinding machine for long and larger components. The compact design of the WPG 7 enables short travel distances and fast movements – a significant advantage over larger universal machines. The limited space at the site also spoke in favour of the compact solution.

One particular advantage of the WPG 7 is its thermal stability. The compact design reduces heat transfer, which means that the machine works with precision immediately after switch-on.

More information www.emag.com

MecWash named UK agent for Sugino Machines

MecWash Systems is now the sole UK agent of Sugino Corporation’s high-pressure cleaning and deburring machines, including the JCC (Jet Clean Centre) range. This strategic partnership strengthens MecWash’s position as a major UK supplier of aqueous parts cleaning systems for precision industries.

Sugino, a global specialist in high-pressure cleaning and deburring technology, has developed the JCC series to deliver accurate results, short cycle times and operational flexibility. The Sugino systems are designed like machine tools with an XYZ column and rotating plinth, to give strength, accuracy and control of the waterjets. The systems are also programmed like CNC machine tools, so they can be used easily by machine tool trained staff.

Delivering high pressures at up to 2450 bar, the machines provide high performance for particularly tenacious contamination and burrs. This power can be particularly valuable in cleaning up die castings, removing casting media or oxidation scale from hardening, leaving an excellent surface finish, reports MecWash.

Pierre Le Noach, sales manager at Sugino Machine France, says: “This is a great opportunity for Sugino and MecWash to combine forces to tackle industry’s toughest cleaning challenges. The partnership gives Sugino access to the UK market, where high-pressure deburring and washing systems are in great demand. MecWash has an exceptional reputation and will help to drive Sugino’s presence within UK manufacturing.” 

Adds John Pattison, managing director of MecWash Systems: “This partnership is a perfect synergy of precision engineering and technical expertise. The Sugino JCC machines complement and extend our existing range by providing capability for applications where accurate ‘brute force’ is critical for cleaning or deburring.”

More information www.mecwash.com

Lissmac implements changes in management team

Important changes in the management team have taken place at metal processing machine manufacturer Lissmac Maschinenbau GmbH. Its long-standing employee and managing director Daniel Keller has left the company, replaced by Thomas Hoffmeister. Hoffmeister has already been in office since earlier this year and is now managing the company together with Dr Hinrich Dohrmann.
 
“In 2024, after careful consideration, I made the decision to reorient myself professionally after more than 25 years at Lissmac and take up a position outside the company,” said Keller. “The decision was not easy for me, as Lissmac has always been a matter close to my heart. We achieved a lot together. Our successes are the result of joint efforts and the tireless commitment of all employees.”

Added Hoffmeister: “At 53 years old, I bring not only experience but, above all, passion and an entrepreneurial spirit. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, I was taught from a young age the importance of entrepreneurial thinking, responsibility and sustainable action. After studying Manufacturing Engineering at Boston University and earning an MBA from the London Business School, my career took me around the globe – from Thailand to Egypt to China. Positions at ABB and Dresdner Bank provided me with valuable insights before I founded my own company in 2016, which I have since sold.

“Now, I’m excited to drive Lissmac forward with full energy together with an outstanding team. Our company is excellently positioned to not only meet the challenges of the future but to set new standards. With strong employees, a solid market position and strategic investments in our site in Bad Wurzach, we have everything needed for enduring success.”

More information www.lismac.com