The installation of a Walter Helitronic Power five-axis tool grinder has given woodworking tooling manufacturer Leitz “unprecedented higher levels of flexibility and capability” in the regrinding of back-to-original specification own-brand tools for the woodworking, plastics and advanced materials processing sectors.

“In addition to enabling us to process regrinds much more quickly,” says Derek Statham, works manager and national service manager at the Harlow-based company, “our new Helitronic Power has opened the door for us to a new world of manufacturing special-purpose HSS, carbide and PCD tools – both shank-type tooling and profile cutters”.
While Leitz’s extensive tool catalogue is based on close co-operation within the group’s expertise, Statham adds that “this new-found ability for producing and servicing bespoke tooling will further cement the close working relationships we have with all our customers – companies of every size from one-man bands up to blue chip organisations with global interests”.
He continues: “Being able to provide tooling solutions to meet their needs in fast turn-round times will only reinforce the successful partnerships we already have.”
The Walter Helitronic Power can accommodate tools from 3 to 320 mm diameter and up to 350 mm long, each weighing up to 50 kg. X, Y and Z axes are 460, 320 and 660 mm respectively, while the C axis range is ±200°. Rapid traverse rate in X, Y and Z is 15 m/min, and grinding speed is up to 10,500 rpm.
For further information www.walter-machines.com