Carl Hirschmann GmbH is supporting activities at Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH), auniversity in Aachen with a co-operative project together with machine tool manufacturer GF Machining Solution and the study group EAK (Erosiver Arbeitskreis). In mid-November, Dominik Gotthelf and Bernd Reiner, sales manager at Carl Hirschmann, visited the university in Aachen, where they handed over an FJR80NCYA30A rotating and indexing spindle.

This spindle is used in an AgieCharmilles CUT P 350wire EDM machine from GF Machining Solutions to profile grinding wheels.

“For us as initiator of the project, it was important to train the research project group in the use of our rotary spindle and the associated control system,” says Reiner.

Manufacturing on an EDM equipped with Hirschmann high-speed rotating and indexing spindles is an efficient alternative to hard turning or superfinishing for rotationally symmetric parts. Even smallest parts in stainless steel, hard metal or even conductive ceramics, which cannot be made by conventional processes like turning or grinding, can be manufactured efficiently, reports the company.

Besides high-speed rotation, the application of rotating and indexing spindles allows precise indexing and simultaneous machining (via the machine control). It is thus possible to machine the finest rotationally symmetric structures and precise surfaces and contours.

In addition to the training, the meeting focused on a transfer of knowledge between the students and the two companies on technology and parameter settings. This is the basis for a further common research project and further investigations. The students receive additional support from grinding wheel manufacturer Tyrolit.

Hirschmannis pleased regarding this project with university RWTH Aachen and is looking forward to the results.
For further information www.carlhirschmann.de

At JIMTOF 2022 in November, Makino gave the public its first view of the company’s new UPX600 wire EDM for high-precision applications such as press dies,precision electronic parts and motor components. Features include a new machining power supply (EW200B), independent upper and lower machine drive control, and constant temperature control technology. The machine also contributes to the reduction of running costs by reducing the number of processing steps.

With the new EW200B machining power supply and machining conditions, it is possible to improve the optimum surface roughness, reduce the number of machining passes, and shorten the machining time by outputting electric discharge finely and efficiently during finish-machining.

Responsiveness is also a key feature of the machine thanks to a structure that allows independent movement of the upper head (Z/U/V axes) and lower head (X/Y axes).

By improving insulation, the rise time to the target voltage is shortened, enabling efficient micro-fabrication. Moreover, the three-sided elevating processing tank means operators can access the work area from three directions. As the machining tank descends below the top surface of the table, it is possible to work on the lower part of the workpiece. Even if the core is accidentally dropped, it can be easily retrieved.

The machine’s Hyper-i control offers intuitive operations with an efficient interface consisting of three categories: program, set-up and operation. The high-resolution 24-inch touchscreen feels like a tablet device.

Among the machine’s main specifications are: 650 x 500 x 320 mm travel in the X, Y and Z axes; ±350 x ±250 mm in the U and V axes; a maximum workpiece size of 1030 x 800 × 300 mm (width x depth x height); and a maximum payload of 1800 kg.
For further information www.ncmt.co.uk

Through its new customer portal, VPortal, sharpening specialistVollmeris providing exclusive access to digital services, including its spare parts shop, machine overviews and technical documentation. Furthermore, VPortal gives customers the chance to send the support team any questions they may have about machines or services from Vollmer. Anyone who owns a Vollmer sharpening machine can register for and use the customer portal free of charge. Customers can request their unique log-in via e-mail or telephone.

“Our customer portal, VPortal, is the digital and personalised window that we provide to our customers and which we use to expand our services,” explains Jürgen Hauger, CEO of the Vollmer Group. “It forms the perfect link between the real and digital world, enabling our customers to keep a constant overview of their Vollmer grinding and erosion machines.”

The VPortal grants customers 24/7 access to their digital machine pool purchased from Vollmer. Notably, the digital service is available in English and German, and is free to use. At present, customers from Germany can register via e-mail or telephone. Once logged in to the online portal, the user can see a complete overview of the Vollmer sharpening machines available.

From the start page, the customer portal shows a clear overview of all digital services spread across five tiles: My machines, Spare parts, Orders, Support requests and Contact. Users can click on these tiles to navigate the portal and view or download the data that is most relevant to their Vollmer machines, as well as documents about technology or operation. When it comes to maintenance and servicing, VPortal enables users to submit an individual support request or to access Vollmer’s online spare parts shop.
For further information www.vollmer-group.com