Explained in simple terms, StuderTechnology software automatically determines all of the necessary data for cylindrical grinding. With just a few inputs, the program calculates the production goal and grinds perfectly – at maximum feed – at the first attempt, says the company.
"For 13 years I knew that as a turner I would never be able to grind, the process was too demanding,” says Michael Jauer, CEO of Drehtech AG in Herzogenbuchsee, Switzerland. “However, I was proved wrong. Thanks to StuderTechnology, we can now grind complex parts. And bear in mind that we had no employees who could grind. It was a bold decision to invest in the Studer S33 cylindrical grinder with StuderTechnology, but it was the best one we ever made.”
The StuderTechnology program contains data from countless grinding tests, in which the best machining strategy has been determined for a wide variety of components. StuderTechnology takes recourse to these values, depending on the specific application, and applies them precisely. Imagine a modern camera; users can select automatic programs for different lighting and shooting situations, which result in optimum images in every situation. StuderTechnology works in a similar way.
"In principle, as a production specialist I need to know which parameters are decisive,” says Marcel Wagner, production manager at Drehtech. “The tolerances are crucial, and so are the surfaces. I provide the grinding wheel specifications, the workpiece material and hardness, and decide whether the focus should be on rapid feed or a good surface. On the basis of these values, the software suggests the cutting sequence and parameters. In the past, I have always directly adopted the recommendations made by StuderTechnology. This has always worked, from the very first workpiece, without any rejects.”
Grinding times alone are generally reduced by 25-50%, says Studer. However, set-up, programming and documentation times are also reduced by using the software. A great advantage of StuderTechnology is that it takes account of the machine’s characteristics and the configuration of the grinding cycles. Grinding wheels and dressing tools can be used for much longer, as abrasive is not removed unnecessarily.
StuderTechnology has impressed experts since its launch, winning the Prodex Award in 2012 and the INTEC Award in 2013.
Concludes Wagner: "The Studer specialists told us that StuderTechnology would be of enormous support to us in setting up and programming the machine. We were sceptical, as promises are easy to make, but everything that Studer promised was true.”
