ITC improves accuracy with UK's first Walter Micro machine

This is the latest stage of a four-machine investment drive that has already seen the Tamworth-based cutting tools manufacturer take delivery of a Walter Helitronic Mini Power CNC grinding centre in January. An additional Helitronic Micro and Helitronic Power are on order and awaiting delivery. The latest acquisition phase will take ITC's total of Walter Helitronic tool grinders to 12. ITC production manager Kevin Ford says that its new Micro – which meet a linear accuracy of 0.0001mm and resolution accuracy of 0.0001degrees – will provide additional capacity for manufacturing and re-grinding high precision carbide and HSS cutting tools, as well as high specification drills and reamers in the 0.5 to 12.7mm diameter range. "We bought this machine to firstly meet a capacity demand for our cutting tools, as our small tool production was a bottleneck. Secondly, it was bought to enhance the quality of our products," explains Ford. "The linear drives provide increased accuracy and stability that enhance surface finishes on the tools," he adds. "The improved accuracy and surface finish will further benefit the tool life, accuracy and surface finishes provided by the cutting tools we produce on the machine." Interestingly, the new Helitronic Micro has three grinding spindle heads for up to 12 grinding wheels, making for improved flexibility. "Most machines have two heads, which reduces flexibility and means that, in many instances, the same grinding wheel has to be used for more than one operation," comments Ford. "The result can be uneven wheel wear, which can create tolerance deviations or inconsistent surface finishes. With the additional wheel, we can have one wheel solely for radius machining, another for flute machining and so on. This can improve the consistency of the tools coming off the machine."