5-axis CNC grinder

The 325linear 5-axis CNC grinder has extended X- and Y-axis movement, as well as two auxiliary slides for workpiece clamping and improved grinding wheel guidance across the machining envelope. Micro tools, gun drills, hob cutters, and complex geometries are accommodated on the machine, which operates from 2,500rpm to 4,000rpm. With the second auxiliary slide, the 325linear uses tool guidance, part support, tailstock, or workpiece pallets.

On the A-axis, a user can install collet, hydraulic expansion, or multi-range chucks. The automated collet changer allows workpieces with different diameters to be clamped with high concentricity in an unmanned loader station. Position-oriented clamping of non-rotationally symmetrical workpieces supports presetting, so sequential workpieces with various roughing and finishing requirements can be continuously processed.

Schütte Integrated Grinding Software (SIGSpro) assigns clamping options for each grinding operation. Preset distances from the grinding wheel to the workpiece can be defined and held constant using the support and tool guidance system. In 3D mode, cycle steps can be simulated, controlled, and optimized for exact estimating, collision avoidance, and external workstation integration with other workpieces.

A 140-position tool changer, 5-24 grinding wheel magazine, and a flexible robotic tool gripper are available.

Schütte Corp.
http://www.schutteusa.com

Solid ceramic endmill

The SX9 solid ceramic endmill increases productivity in machining high temperature alloys. Its SiAlON ceramic’s durability and engineered flutes allow the endmill to achieve speeds up to 2,000sfm, more than 15x faster than standard carbide endmills. The 4-, 6-, and 8-flute endmill tools incorporate edge designs that resist chipping for longer tool life.

When machining Inconel 718 aerospace parts, the SX9 endmill completed a roughing and semi-finishing pass at 2,400sfm with superior results, reducing machine time to 4 minutes instead of the original tool’s 24 minutes.

NTK Cutting Tools USA
http://www.ntkcuttingtools.com

Zero-point clamping system

The Automatic Positioning System (APS) stationary workholding product provides a universal connection between the machine tool, the clamping device, and/or the workpiece. The APS can be used in turning, milling, measuring, or grinding operations, reducing setup times up to 90%.

The APS locks into position by lining up a series of pins on the workpiece or workholding with APS bases mounted on the machine. When the pins and bases are locked in, the combination is automatically positioned to the zero point. The APS uses lubricated/compressed air (6bar/85psi) for release, and springs for clamping. Compressed air is not required in the locked or clamped position, but a turbo function is available when constant air is present to increase clamping forces, providing accurate, repeatable positioning <0.005mm.

Heat-treated elements and a protective coating prevent rust, and the unit is sealed against dirt and swarf. Built-in air cleaning keeps the clamping system’s supporting surface free of chips during changeover. Pull-in/clamp forces for each module can be increased up to 45kN by the turbo function, standard on all but the basic unit. Premium APS systems monitor clamping through air sensing.

SMW Autoblok Corp.
https://www.smwautoblok.com