Thielenhaus Technologies claims superfinishing firsts with CrankStar for small crankshafts
1 min read
Superfinishing specialist Thielenhaus Technologies has developed a crankshaft superfinishing process for the smaller crankshafts that are becoming increasingly common, claiming two firsts in the process.
Says the company, for the first time, using its CrankStar, slim finishing units can perform the economic and reliable microfinishing of crankshafts with just a 33 mm depth gauge, which, the company offers, is necessary in order to meet the trend for compact engines with higher efficiency.
In addition, all crankshafts made of cast iron or steel with a distance between centres of 300 to 650 mm and a maximum swing diameter of 210 mm and a stroke of up to 110 mm can be finished on the innovative microfinishing/ superfinishing machine in one or more steps.
Crankshafts for engines with three to six cylinders can be processed without changing the set-up. In addition to the microfinish of the usual surfaces - main bearing, pin bearing and thrust bearing - the front pivot pins can also be machined in a single-step or multi-step process and the flange boreholes can be deburred.
Apart from its extra-slim and flexible tape finishing units, the CrankStar also features an innovative and ergonomically designed tape management system. Ample belt capacity, various belt monitoring options and the best accessibility to the workspace guarantee the shortest downtimes.
Additionally, for the first time, a belt length of more than 200 m has been realised on a vertical crankshaft machine. This is a significant increase in comparison to all previous vertical solutions. Tape end, tape feed and tape tear monitoring reports imminent and unforeseen interruptions in the tape feed and ensure consistently good results. All tape rolls can be replaced from the front of the machine, meaning complete operation can take place ergonomically from just one side. The hard and/or soft tape shoes can be easily exchanged as required using a quick-change system that does not need tools.
The CrankStar is designed for cycle machining, so it can be integrated into production lines. The machine can be loaded using either shuttles, pallets or lifting bars. If required, the new tape finishing machine can also be supplied with energy-efficient peripheral equipment.
To see CrankStar in detail, download the App free-of-charge from iTunes or Google Play Store, which will allow the machine to be viewed in 3D on a tablet computer or smartphone.
