Studer cylindrical grinding machines have always been known for their high performance and precision but a machine overhaul breathes new life into an old machine and, provides the same precision as the day it was delivered with numerous options available for expanding and modernising machines.
Whether in small series or high-volume production – if cylindrical grinding machines have performed at a high level for many years, their precision will eventually, at some point, deteriorate.
With intensive machine use or when working with aggressive materials or certain cooling lubricants, this is often the case even sooner. Thankfully, a comprehensive overhaul can breathe new life into an old machine and restore it to the same condition as the day it arrived.
A machine overhaul can be a worthwhile option, especially if a company intends to grind the same workpieces as before and does not necessarily want a technological upgrade.
"The cost is around 50 to 60% of the purchase price of a new machine," explains Marcos Cotarelo, head of customer care sales at Fritz Studer AG.
In addition to the complete overhaul of all sub-assemblies, Studer is the only machine manufacturer to completely replace and renew the guideways according to original specifications with the GranitanS200 guideway coating.
Consequently, the geometry after installation of the sub-assemblies will correspond to that of a new machine and offer the same precision and accuracy as when it was first delivered.
A complete overhaul involves much more than just a simple repair. The machine is taken to the plant in the Swiss town of Thun, where it is disassembled completely for a thorough inspection.
By using original parts combined with the expert knowledge of Studer employees, sustainable quality and maximum precision can be guaranteed once again.
And that's not all – revision of components by the OEM, cleaning of the enclosure by sandblasting, a new coat of paint, perhaps even with special coatings, and the replacement of wear parts – all of this, and more, helps to ensure that even a 20-year-old machine can work and look like new again.
Customers are often surprised and delighted by this transformation as they now have an as-new machine again, with a great price-performance ratio.
In addition to overhauling the entire machine, overhauling individual sub-assemblies, such as the workhead, wheelhead, and tailstock is also an option.
A team of more than 25 employees takes care of various machine and sub-assembly overhauls each year. In addition, specialists from the new machine production, electronics or mechanics, as well as import-export, logistics, and customs ensure that everything runs seamlessly, whether in Europe or elsewhere in the world.
They help to keep the complex logistics and technical processes of a machine overhaul as simple as possible. This includes delivery and return shipment, as well as commissioning of the overhauled machines.
Before shipment, all machines undergo a function and geometry test in the manufacturer's plant and are issued with a new original manufacturer certificate.
After a machine overhaul, companies can enjoy a one-year warranty and support from the technical service team. It takes Studer an average of 12 to 14 weeks to complete a full overhaul.
During the overhaul, companies can take advantage of a machine on loan to prevent production standstills. It is not uncommon in the course of an overhaul, that customers opt for a modernisation or expansion of the range of parts that they would like to manufacture.
This could mean retrofitting a measuring head, an additional internal grinding spindle, new spindle cooling, a hydraulically swiveling dressing unit, or a new workhead – there are countless options available. Importantly though, a machine overhaul can bring new capabilities to a trusted system.
A significant improvement in production efficiency can be achieved with a subsequent automation solution if desired. This would allow a supposedly ‘old’ machine to process workpieces independently and automatically, giving employees the flexibility to spend time on other tasks once the loader has been replenished.
In addition, a software update can facilitate assistance systems for monitoring or maintenance purposes. Despite the additional features and the as-new look that a machine overhaul can bring, the machine remains the same machine that users will be familiar with.
