Prototype oil tool grinder boosts productivity

The machine, which weighs 11,500 kgs, is specifically designed for grinding oil tools and has been developed by YMT after years of supplying the industry with adapted conventional machine tools. The Yorky was developed with Government SMART award funding. The new machine delivers high productivity, reducing overheads by providing a single machine for a task that has traditionally involved the use of several. The machine is designed to be used either manually or electronically and offers electronic shape control, automating the process for Melon profile stabilisers or tapered ends and cambered profiles. The machine will accommodate drill pipe up to 40 ft long and stabilisers up to 10ft in length and 42 in diameter. The worktable has a hollow spindle workhead and tailstock with the top section of the latter interchangeable with 3-point steady allowing longer components to be fed through the machine.