GRINDING, HONING & SURFACE FINISHING CASE STUDY, INDUSTRY & PRODUCT NEWS
Feed and spindle drives – use of highly ef cient
synchronous motors and regenerative braking energy
feedback into the power grid, including linear motors
in the vertical axis on certain models and passive
weight compensation;
Coolant supply via frequency-controlled pump.
High ef ciency motors (ef ciency class IE4) and up to
six individually switchable coolant valves optimise
coolant supply;
LED lights are used in all machines, including the
status light;
Central lubrication – ‘impulse’ lubrication means,
for example, that the lubricating oil pump runs only
for a few seconds, until lubricating pressure is built
up. The pump is then switched off until the next
lubrication cycle;
Each machine’s vapour separator is equipped with
potentiometer control and a free-running fan wheel,
which allows optimal adjustment of the extraction
volume. The EC motors are IE4 rated.
In addition, says Walter Ewag UK, machine users
can adopt various routines to gain further
improvements in energy ef ciency, including:
Off-work switching – each Walter machine has an
‘off-hours’ switch, so if the machine remains switched
on beyond the end of the shift, a standby mode is
effected after the last tool has been processed.
In such mode, the coolant pumps, extraction system,
hydraulics and grinding spindles are set to ‘off’ and
the axes drives are set to pulse lock;
The machine warm-up program can be
automatically started on a selected date and time.
The machine remains in stand-by mode and, one
hour before the start of work, it begins to warm up,
so it is at operating temperature and can go into
production immediately when the operator arrives;
During work breaks or in the case of any
‘inactivity’, a number of units are switched off –
ie vapour extraction, coolant pumps and sealing air;
Machines with linear and torque motors have a
central supply and return of the motor cooling
medium, and customers have the option of using the
waste heat generated for heating buildings;
Machining process simulation – with the Helitronic
Tool Studio software or Cybergrinding, tools can be
simulated in advance on an external PC workstation
to save valuable working time while also reducing the
test operation and test parts.
Nagel automated
compact robot honing cell
Able to work on small bore sizes up to 40 mm in
diameter, the Nagel ECOHO-NE features a built-in
robot cell offering automatic tool and workpiece
changing plus more.
“We have packed all the Nagel know-how into
this small system so that in the future we can offer
our precision as world market leader in the lower
budget range as well,” explains Michael Nagel,
who is responsible for the ECOHO-NE series,
amongst others.
The innovation of the single-spindle honing
machine lies in its built-in robot cell. It performs
many other functions in addition to workpiece
handling. For example, it automatically changes the
machine’s work tools as they become worn out, if a
replacement is available in the designated tool
magazine. It also automatically aligns the newly
exchanged tools, thereby avoiding extended
downtime while manual alignment takes place.
On workpiece changing, Nagel adds: “If it
recognises a workpiece pallet with new material, the
machine is set up automatically. This means xtures,
tools, measuring equipment and much more are all
changed fully automatically.”
As to measuring equipment, the robotic cell can
be equipped with the required auxiliary stations,
if desired. Automatic error correction and the
evaluation of measurement data (SPC) are also
feasible. Whether for pre-testing, re-measuring,
brushing or oil-free parts, everything can be
individually con gured. The robot takes over the
handling of the parts. All these functions can be
integrated at low cost. Permat Machines is the UK
Studer reasserts its mastery of ‘The Art of Grinding’
The health crisis around Covid-19, Brexit, global trends towards trade
restrictions and customs barriers, the structural change in the automotive
industry: 2020 is and stays a challenging year, notes Switzerlandheadquartered
Fritz Studer AG.
‘Testing’ is the word used by Sandro Bottazzo, managing director of Fritz
Studer AG and CSO responsible for sales, customer care and marketing.
And in a situation like this, a company should focus on its own strengths, he
is convinced: “We shouldn’t worry about what we can’t do, but we should talk
about our strengths.”
‘Where do these strengths lie?’ the company asks rhetorically. “We have
unparalleled knowledge in and around grinding,” Bottazzo underlines.
“Grinding is more than just machining. You have to master all the parameters.
If you are in control of all those, then you have mastered ‘The Art of Grinding’.
agent ( www.is.gd/nizone ).
Nothing says
more about us
than our
company
motto.”
So Studer is refocusing on this motto. “Grinding is an art that not everyone
can master with this degree of precision and quality,” the CSO underlines.
To make sure that its customers do not miss this emphasis, Studer
commissioned Swiss artist Ata Bozaci to bring the motto to life, with the
result unveiled in February on an S31 model that will be shown at future
trade fairs and exhibitions, as well as be part of the company’s marketing
effort. Having three elements, these underline three key company attributes:
quality, precision and passion.
www.machinery.co.uk | MachineryMagazine | @MachineryTweets | December 2020 39
/nizone
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