Making a debut at the AMB 2022 exhibition in Germany last month was the new Okamoto ACC-63SA1 surface grinder range. Replacing the company’s SA series, the Okamoto ACC-63SA1 surface grinder is available in six sizes, 500 x 200, 600 x 300, 600 x 400, 600 x 500, 800 x 400 and 1000 x 500 mm. DF Precision Machinery is the exclusive distributor of Okamoto grinders in the UK.

The ACC-SA1 series feature an easy-to-use touchscreen control with colour graphics, allowing trouble-free surface grinding with automatic wheel dressing. Notably, the series enables fully automatic grinding operations for standard surface grinding or shift-plunge surface grinding.

ACC-SA1 range machines boast a robust, rigid cast-iron construction, providing high static and dynamic stiffness characteristics, in addition to good dampening qualities. The hydraulically driven table features double V slideways with minimal overhang and non-contact switches for table reversal.

Also at AMB 2022 was the new version of Okamoto’s ACC-42SAiQ surface grinder, a machine that features a long list of improvements, including ball-screw table drives and the latest FANUC control with faster response times and clearer, crisper graphics. The Okamoto graphical touchscreen operator interface featured on the iQ range allows quicker and easier machine set-up. Graphical representation of common, grind patterns and wheel shapes are set-up directly on the touchscreen view pane with the help of the iQ function.

The ACC-42SAiQ retains and improves on the table position control of the previous-generation machine. It features fast reciprocation and can be set to grind with up to five different table positions in the same cycle. The switch from hydraulic control to a ball-screw table drive reduces heat build-up and improves reversal accuracy.
For further information www.dfpmach.com

Flexible and at the same time highly productive solutions for grinding for electromobility and similar applications – this is what the EMAG Group demonstrated at the GrindingHub exhibition earlier this year. The company put together an interesting programme for the new trade fair for grinding technology. In addition to exhibits such as universal cylindrical grinding machines from EMAG Weiss and the VLC 350 GT combination machining machine, the company gave an insight into developments in the field of Industry 4.0 and IoT, in which a lot has happened in recent years – including in grinding technology.

In order to make it as easy as possible for EMAG customers to enter the world of data-optimised production, machines can now be delivered IoT-ready. This makes it possible to integrate the machines directly and without major effort into existing IoT networks.

Emag Weiss showed two machines at GrindingHub: a W 11 CNC and a W 11 EVO. The W 11 CNC is a grinding machine equipped with a modern, fast, grinding-oriented control, while the W 11 EVO is a further development of the well-known K11 series. The latter is a new, contemporary version of the conventional grinding machine with many extras that make production life easier: hydraulic-free, axle drives with servomotor and ball screw, modern HMI with touchscreen, automatic parallel dressing and free-driving.

Both machines offer high precision in external round machining with a grinding length of up to 2000 mm and a maximum grinding diameter of 360 mm.

EMAG also presented a VLC 350 GT for the first time at GrindingHub. The GT abbreviation stands for ‘Grinding’ and ‘Turning’. They indicate the strength of this machine: the combination of grinding and turning (plus other processes) with the proven EMAG pick-up automation enables countless manufacturing solutions.
For further information www.emag.com

Evapo-Rust from CRC Industries is a water-based rust remover that is biodegradable and non-toxic for the user and the environment. Its award-winning formula eliminates rust without having to scrub or sand parts. Furthermore, it is economical as the product is suitable for reuse several times. CRC says that Evapo-Rust can restore metal parts and tools rapidly and efficiently in all industries: automotive, construction, marine and general metalworking.

To use Evapo-Rust, which is REACH compliant, simply immerse the part in a bath of the ready-to-use solution. The rust then detaches from the metal surface and remains suspended in the liquid. Notably, the active ingredient in the formula binds exclusively to iron, removing only the rust from steel, iron, cast iron and chrome. It thus preserves the non-oxidised metal and is harmless to other metals. Compared with conventional acidic or basic strippers, CRC Evapo-Rust is non-toxic, non-caustic and non-corrosive, and does not affect plastic, PVC, Viton and non-oxidised paint on treated parts.

According to CRC, Evapo-Rust removes the thickest layers of rust down to bare metal, leaving no residual layer and requiring no sanding or blasting. The treatment is fast: it is possible to remove a light layer of rust in only 15 to 30 minutes; a medium layer in 6 hours; and a thick layer in 12 to 24 hours. It works at room temperature, although it is possible to accelerate results by heating to 50°C.

It takes 5 litres of Evapo-Rust to remove 0.3 kg of pure dry rust. Moreover, preliminary cleaning is only necessary in the case of very dirty and greasy parts.
For further information www.crcindustries.com

Following a very flourishing experience at the MACH show in Birmingham earlier this year, abrasives specialist Tyrolit followed it up by exhibiting alongside Brit Plant at Rail Live 2022 in Warwickshire in June. Tyrolit’s team provided extensive insight into its dedicated rail technology expertise. Working with demanding requirements for short grinding times, combined with the need for long service life, Tyrolit’s rail machining solutions are suitable for the most diverse needs often under difficult application conditions.

Last month, at another week-long show, Tyrolit showcased its precision aerospace solutions at the Farnborough Air Show. The company has more than a century’s worth of abrasives experience in aerospace and MRO, helping customers to identify the optimal solution for any application. Additionally, Tyrolit demonstrated ToolScope – an Industry 4.0 modular assistance system that allows users to unlock the full potential of their manufacturing processes through the digitalisation of grinding technology.

On 12-13 October, Tyrolit will be returning to The Speedy Expo, one of the UK’s leading tool, equipment and plant hire events in the north of England.

Says sales director Pete Dufty: “As we all return to normality following the pandemic, it’s a powerful time for our business to interact with customers and demonstrate the wealth of our industry expertise. We hope that our presence at these shows is proving hugely beneficial for those visiting.”

As a manufacturer of grinding and dressing tools, these events provide the opportunity to demonstrate that Tyrolit is a proven partner in multiple industries.
For further information www.tyrolit.com

Studer’s new SmartJet concept supplies a precisely controlled flow of coolant to the grinding wheel, saving costs and increasing sustainability in production.

On many grinding machines it is the operator’s task to manually control the cooling of the grinding process. He or she must position the nozzles correctly and operate the ball valve by hand. A pump then transports the cooling lubricant to the grinding process location. Often, this uses more coolant than necessary or the nozzles lack optimal positioning, which is bad for efficiency and the environment. Studer says it is breaking new ground with its patented SmartJet concept.

From now on, cooling will be the responsibility of the machine control unit. The central components are a frequency-controlled pump and a dynamic pressure measuring unit. This concept makes it possible to set the volume flow precisely to suit the process, whether for roughing, fine grinding or finishing. The coolant flows through a distributor piece and flow-optimised, adjustable nozzles to the grinding wheel.

“Our new concept guarantees precise and reproducible cooling,” emphasises Martin Habegger, project manager. “We create a consistent jet of coolant with a high exit velocity in the range of 12 to 20 m/s, which effortlessly overcomes the air movement caused by the wheel.”

As a result, process reliability improves and less coolant is required to produce equivalent grinding outcomes.

In conclusion, SmartJet not only accelerates set-up time for users, it also enables them to grind significantly more efficiently and sustainably.

“It reduces water consumption by 40% and energy requirements by up to 50%,” states Habegger, before adding: “SmartJet makes a significant contribution to making machining more eco-friendly.”
For further information www.studer.com