Vollmer shows tool grinding in a new dimension

With the new Vgrind 160 grinding machine for solid carbide tools, Vollmer entered the worldwide market in the area of tool grinding in March 2014. From a technological point of view, the Swabian grinding and erosion machine specialist is literally expanding into a new dimension: Thanks to the two vertical spindles, multi-level machining can be carried out for the first time using the Vgrind 160. This enables tool manufacturers to produce large numbers of solid carbide milling cutters and drills quickly and precisely.

Dr. Stefan Brand, Managing Director of the Vollmer Group.

With the Vgrind 160, we are establishing ourselves in the international tool grinding market for the first time,” says Dr Stefan Brand, Managing Director of the Vollmer Group.

“For us, this is a logical and consistent step in order to develop our core competency in sharpening, and to further strengthen Vollmer’s international position as a comprehensive solutions provider for tool production.

Machining solid carbide milling cutters and drills
With the Vgrind 160 grinding machine, five CNC-controlled axes ensure precise machining of workpieces. Using the Vgrind 160, tool manufacturers can produce solid carbide drills and milling cutters with a diameter up to 50 millimetres.

The core of the Vgrind 160 is the new kinematics system, which is controlled by two vertical spindles. This is because, unlike with a single spindle or horizontal double spindle, multi-level machining can be carried out thanks to the vertical arrangement. In addition, the spindle arrangement solves the common problems related to fixed and floating bearings, which leads to more precise results when machining workpieces.

Speeding up production around the clock
Thanks to short linear axis travel distances and swivel ranges, the Vgrind 160 enables you to reduce machining times for machining workpieces. Non-productive times are shortened because tool manufacturers can load the two grinding spindles with different tools. An optional tool magazine with eight grinding wheel packages enables tools on the vertical spindles to be changed over automatically.
The pallet magazine HP 160 enables up to 272 workpieces to be supplied. The HPR 250 free-arm robot is also a new addition which increases autonomy and efficiency during tool manufacturing – the HPR 250 makes it possible for the previous capacity to be tripled. The automation solutions ensure optimal utilisation of the machine, around the clock.

Using the two vertical spindles of the Vgrind 160 grinding machine, tool manufacturers can machine their solid carbide tools on two levels.

Achieve precision across several levels
The Vgrind 160 achieves more precise results thanks to multi-level machining, as a workpiece is only ever machined on the fixed bearing side of a grinding wheel set. In addition, the grinding wheel set is always located at the C-axis pivot point, which allows an accurate sharpening process. A further guarantee for precision and accuracy is the polymer concrete design of the machine, as this solid foundation provides improved damping and vibration behaviour. The design and the new wall concept of the Vgrind 160 lead to a compact and stiff construction with low space requirements.

Intuitive operation with established software
Operation of the Vgrind 160 can be easily and individually adjusted thanks to a height-adjustable, pivoting control panel. The display can be positioned so that not only does the operator have an optimal view of the graphic interface, but the work area also remains visible. To control the Vgrind 160, Vollmer uses the software NUMROTOplus, which offers comprehensive applications for the production and resharpening of various tools. The software of the Swiss market leader, NUM, is used for around 40 different types of machine from 15 well-known manufacturers in 50 countries.

“We developed the Vgrind 160 as an innovative platform, with which tool manufacturers can produce their products for their market precisely and efficiently,” adds Dr Stefan Brand. “As a result, the Vgrind 160 can be, employed with extreme flexibility both in terms of quality and quantities.”

For mor information,
Website: www.vollmer-group.com