INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Schunk boosts wheel handling

Haas Schleifmaschinen is expanding the range of possibilities of its Multigrind CA and CB grinding machines with a fully automated compact storage rack for up to 70 grinding wheels and 20 coolant protectors. A pre-finished linear axis system from Schunk is the key to flexible grinding wheel handling in minimum space.

Using the Schunk system, the shortest changeover time for an individual combination of wheel and protector within the storage rack (during processing time) is just 28 seconds, while the actual change on to the machine is carried out in a time of 10 seconds. Furthermore, milling cutters can be handled using the system, helping users to machine small contours or radii that cannot be reached with grinding wheels. As a safety door interface separates the machine from the storage rack (to protect it from oil mist), a shuttle table is used instead of the conventional machine tool changer.
The interfering contour-optimised axis system was designed by Schunk, and includes valve terminals, cable tracks and the connection to central lubrication. Two multi-tooth guided Schunk PGN-plus universal grippers take on the varied handling of the grinding wheels and coolant protectors. The gripping technology ensures that the tools are safely held in the event of a power failure.
With the aid of a Schunk swivel unit SRU-plus, the bottom gripper can be used both in combination with grinding wheel and coolant protector, and for removing and filling the individual grinding wheels and milling cutters.
In the Z-direction, a Schunk Delta 240C spindle axis is used, which is fitted with a rod lock, extendable spindle and shaft encoder.
For further information www.schunk.com

Blank preparation grinder introduced

Capable of achieving a surface finish better than 0.2 Ra with run out of less than 2 µm, the new four-axis Anca CPX Linear blank preparation grinder uses the pinch-peel method of grinding.

Simon Richardson, product manager at Anca, says: “We have taken the best aspects of our technology to build a fantastic machine. For example, our specially designed polymer concrete base provides the utmost stability in our grinding process, so we took that and used it in the CPX Linear model.
“We are known for our ongoing dedication to research, as well as our commitment to ensure that Anca technology surpasses customer needs,” he adds. “This is another major milestone in our approach, providing a complementary machine for the full grinding process. Our customers asked and we listened; designing our own blank preparation machine.”
Anca’s LinX linear motor technology for axis motion (X, Y and V axes), in conjunction with linear scales, is designed for a lifetime of operation in harsh grinding environments. LinX motors have a cylindrical magnetic field, which means there is no additional down force on the rails or machine base.
With no temperature variations (meaning no need for a separate chiller unit), and being sealed to IP67, there is minimal wear and tear so that machine accuracy is retained over the lifetime of the Anca CPX Linear.
With a peak power of 43 kW, the grinding spindle for roughing uses a 250 mm diameter wheel, ensuring high-volume stock removal in a short cycle time. The finishing spindle uses a 150 mm diameter wheel supplying a peak power of 9.7 kW.
For further information www.anca.com

CECIMO supports AM

CECIMO, the European association representing the interests of the machine tool industries, has established a liaison agreement with the ISO technical committee on additive manufacturing (AM), and will now contribute to the development of standards that support the uptake of the technology at an industrial level.

By joining ISO/TC 261, CECIMO will be able to ensure that developments in regulation and standardisation are aligned with the needs of businesses engaged in the AM sector.
For further information www.cecimo.eu

Ceramic end mills go faster

NTK has introduced its Ceramatic series of solid ceramic end mills for heat resistant super alloys which are said to offer productivity levels 10 times that of solid carbide equivalents.

Manufactured from NTK’s SiAlON SX9 grade, the Ceramatic line is available with the option of a four or six-flute variant. The four-flute variant is capable of conducting slotting, pocketing and ramping operations, while the six-flute variant generates superior toughness for face milling, side milling, profiling and ramping operations.
Suitable for manufacturers in the oil and gas and aerospace industries, where Inconel, Rene, Hastelloy, Waspalloy and other challenging materials are the daily challenge, NTK’s Ceramatic line features an optimised helix angle and edge design that the company says provides high levels of toughness and wear resistance when machining heat resistant alloys. Furthermore, the geometry helps to evacuate chips at speed, while generating a smooth cutting action that minimises the cutting forces on both the tool and machine spindle.
The composition of the Ceramatic end mill and the special geometry enable the tool to run at cutting speeds from 300 to 1000 mm/min. In addition, Ceramatic tools can machine at a depth of cut up to 2 mm for face milling and slotting, and 6 mm for side milling.
Both the four and six-flute variants are available in a choice of 8, 10 and 12 mm diameters, with imperial dimensions including 3/8 and ½ inch diameter. The 8, 10 and 12 mm four-flute end mills have a neck diameter of 7.6, 9.6 and 11.6 mm, with a maximum effective length of 6, 7.5 and 9 mm and an overall length of 60, 65 and 70 mm respectively.
For further information www.ntkcuttingtools.co.uk

Touch sensors deliver pinpoint precision

Now available from Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC) is the newly developed Big Kaiser Base Master Red and Base Master Mini touch sensors. The latest touch sensor family can determine workpiece offsets and tool lengths to improve precision, repeatability and reduce set-up times.

Base Master Red can be used with all types of machines and materials, including non-conductive cutting tools, workpieces and machine tools. The sensor allows the operator to quickly touch a tool with zero risk of damage or breakage, saving time and money. Additionally, the body set and measuring sensor are independent of each other, and this makes maintenance particularly easy as customers can simply replace the measuring sensor in the event of any issue ever occurring.
The Base Master Red offers repeatability of ±0.001 mm.
For maximum flexibility, the system has a solid magnetic base that mounts vertically, horizontally or at any angle the operator desires.
Base Master Red is complemented by Base Master Mini, which has a compact design that makes it fast, flexible and easy to use, says ITC. The main feature of Base Master Mini is its slim height of only 10 mm, making it suitable for small turning centres, sliding-head lathes and other machine tools where working space is limited.
For rapid reference point detection, both the Base Master Red and Base Master Mini are fitted with a bright green LED light. Battery life is 10 hours if used continuously.
For further information www.itc-ltd.co.uk