At the EMO machine tool exhibition in Milan last October, Vollmer delivered the exhibition premiere of its new VGrind 360S grinding machine, for the complete machining of carbide tools.
Designed to set a new standard for the complete machining of rotationally symmetric solid carbide tools, the new VGrind 360S offers an impressive solution for manufacturing cutting tools for aerospace, medical, automotive and general subcontract manufacturing sectors. This new five-axis CNC grinding machine can be used productively to machine carbide tools with a diameter up to 25.4mm. Depending on the machine kinematics and the equipping of the grinding wheel packages, it can even be used for tools up to 150mm diameter. The VGrind 360S incorporates wear-free linear induction motors on the X, Y and Z-axes to lower maintenance costs for the machine while demonstrating higher surface quality for the tool and improved precision.
The tried-and-tested vertical double-spindle concept from Vollmer now features an oriented spindle-stop for the first time. Also known as spindle indexing, this always stops the spindle at a specific position; the result is a reduction of axial run-out errors and concentricity issues, while offsetting wear in the HSK holding system. Another new feature is a heat plate exchanger to efficiently cool motors and spindles, which in turn leads to increased thermal stability. Furthermore, this effective cooling concept has now been optimised and extended, making it the ideal solution when processing tools to the tightest of tolerances.
Simple and intuitive operation is at the core of the VGrind 360S. For customers to fully exploit its potential, Vollmer has created an ergonomic platform whereby users can operate the control panel comfortably while having full visibility of the work envelope. Operation via the keyboard or touchscreen allows for precise machining of the tool, and the multi-function handwheel ensures even more flexibility as it can be freely positioned on the enclosure. This design allows the setting of a required axis without using the control panel.
The VGrind 360S incorporates Vollmer’s trusted operating concept and can be operated unmanned around the clock thanks to automation features such as a pallet magazine, free-arm robot or chain magazine. The options for automation include the HP 160 pallet magazine for up to 900 tools with a double gripper to guarantee fast changeovers, the HPR 250 free-arm robot for the automatic machining of tools with various shaft diameters, and the HC 4 chain magazine, which has space for 39 HSK-63A tools or up to 158 shank-type tools. This automation also extends to the eight-tool grinding wheel changer that ensures you always supply the right grinding wheel for the job at hand with no manual intervention. As an option, coolant nozzles can be automatically exchanged with the wheel sets on both spindles.
From an options perspective, Vollmer has sought to deliver maximum productivity and performance. The optional features include the flexible loading automation options for carbide tools, grinding spindles available with direct or belt drive, automatic gripper compensation as an in-process solution, wheel compensation probes, automated changing of intermediate sleeves with bayonet, and an automatic stacking unit that enables the abrasive grinding wheel to be opened during the grinding process. Other available features include the simultaneous grinding wheel package and tool change in combination with the HP 160 pallet magazine or the HC 4 to reduce non-productive times during loading and a stable, fully adjustable steady rest with automatic stroke to prevent deflection and ensure optimal grinding results.