The cutting material PcBN(polycrystalline cubic boron nitride)is both ultra-hard and extremely temperature-resistant, making it a challenge to process. To enable cutting tool manufacturers to grind PcBN cutting edges with high levels of precision, users of the Vollmer VGrind 360S tool grinder can now take advantage of an optional dressing unit.

By adapting its VGrind 360S grinding machine, the sharpening specialist can make it suitable for machining PcBN tools. Considered the hardest cutting material in the world after PCD (polycrystalline diamond), PcBN can achieve an operating life of up to 25 times longer than solid-carbide tools. In fact, PcBN retains almost all of its original hardness at temperatures up to 1200°C.

The VGrind 360S grinding machine is positioned for the precise machining of PcBN tools with its stable wall concept and rigid, compact design. High system rigidity, in combination with the drive of the X, Y and Zaxes via linear induction motors, allows tool manufacturers to machine a PcBN cutting edge with the grinding wheel oscillating across its contact surface for a chip-free, high-quality surface.

To support the processing of this ultra-hard material, the optional dressing unit for the grinding wheel on the VGrind 360S means that after roughing the PcBN cutting edge, the dressing unit re-profiles the grinding wheel to regain its precise concentricity and correct geometric shape. Subsequent finishing operations give the PcBN tool the desired surface finish and geometric accuracy.

Customers can also retrofit the optional dressing unit with software updates to existing VGrind 360S machines. Tool manufacturers can carry out the installation independently or with the support of the Vollmer service team in just a few simple steps.

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

BMW’s plant in Dingolfing has integrated an RST 200-S15 indexing satellite table shot-blast machine from Rösler into a new manufacturing line for E-vehicle gear components. The company decided to purchase the Rösler equipment because it had excellent experience with machines of the same type regarding productivity, process stability and ease of maintenance.

The rotary table of the compact shot-blast machine contains 15 rotating satellite stations equipped with workpiece-specific fixtures. Depending on the workpiece type, a component loading/unloading system supplied by the customer places one or several parts on the satellite stations. Thanks to the machine’s design, non-productive idle times are minimal.

After loading, workpieces pass through multiple stations in the shot-blast machine at indexing cycles of 20 seconds. These stations include two blast positions. Special lifting gates prevent any spillage of blast media into other stations. During the peening operation, the satellites rotate at pre-set speeds in front of the blast turbines. In combination with automatic blast pattern adjustment to the respective workpiece shape, this ensures the realisation of homogeneous peening results. A compressed-air cleaning station placed in front of the loading/unloading section blows off dust and residual blast media from the finished components.

The master computer of the manufacturing lineselects the workpiece-specific processing programs, including the setting of the turbine position and blast pattern. For this purpose, the controls of the peening machine were integrated into the upper-level computer system at BMW in Dingolfing. 

To meet the automotive industry’s high standards regarding process stability and traceability, the machine’s controls allow the continuous monitoring of all relevant shot-blasting parameters. Replenishment of the blast media also takes place automatically.

More information www.rosler.com

Honing machine specialist Sunnen Products was awarded the President’s ‘E Star’ Award for Exports by the US Department of Commerce at a recent ceremony in Washington, DC.  Sunnen was one of 64 companies at the ceremony achieving recognition for excellence in furthering US exports, and one of 13 to receive the prestigious ‘E Star’ Award for Exports. This is Sunnen’s second time winning the award, having also received the honour in 1986.

“Sunnen has demonstrated sustained commitment to export expansion,” said Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo, in her congratulatory letter to the company. “The ‘E’ Awards committee recognises Sunnen’s 80-year history as an exporter with 40% growth in export revenue over the past four years. The company’s investment in ongoing technology and marketing innovations to support export growth into the future was also notable.” 

Sunnen is celebrating its 100th year in business this year and is no stranger to supporting the US and its manufacturing efforts. In October 1942, Sunnen was a recipient of the predecessor to todays’ award, the Army-Navy Production Award (at the time, it was widely known as the ‘E’ Award for excellence) for its contribution and excellence in the production of equipment during World War II.  

Sunnen Products first began exporting into Canada and the Scandinavian countries. After World War II, the company expanded exports all over Europe, and into South America and Asia. Founder Joe Sunnen was a businessperson who knew the importance of finding solutions to unmet market needs, which included making products available globally. Sunnen has since grown into a global company with 14 subsidiaries and over 35 international distributors. 

More information www.sunnen.com

The Spanish TEMSA Metallurgical Group focuses on the manufacturer of special tools for cold forming. For many years, the company has also been using cylindrical grinding machines from Studer at its Barcelona production facility, where the latest arrival is a Studer S100 CNC universal internal cylindrical grinder.

The white with blue accents of the Studer S100 are a familiar sight at TEMSA, where other machines include the Studer S131 new-generation CNC universal machine for internal cylindrical grinding.

“We have confidence in the technology and value our positive relationship with the manufacturer,” says production manager Alfonso Vivar of the decision to invest. In addition, the high level of precision, reliability and ease of operation offered by Studer machines help to ensure that production is as efficient as possible.

The S100 is a good all-rounder offering maximum flexibility thanks to its numerous options for internal, face and external grinding. The machine facilitates the production of a wide range of workpieces up to 550 mm in length. Elsewhere in the facility, the Studer favoritCNC is a universal cylindrical grinding machine for the individual and batch production of medium-sized workpieces with a length of up to 680 mm. Both machines have an attractive price despite the inclusion of premium technology such as a solid mineral cast Granitan bed and optimal hardware-software interplay for ease of operation.

In addition to the machinery, Vivar cites another important reason for choosing Studer: “The customer service is outstanding, helped by several contact persons who can speak Spanish.”

More information www.studer.com