Automation enhancements to ANCA resharpening machine

A seven-station wheel changer has been added to the ANCA GX7 resharpening machine to create the GX7+. Another automation enhancement, an 85-pocket tool loader known as a GLX, is available for both machines. Mounted on the side of the Z-axis saddle, the wheel changer is completely contained within the standard machine canopy so does not increase the machine footprint. The operator does not need access to the carousel as wheel packs are loaded via the spindle. With seven wheel packs available on the changer, the GX7’s standard double-ended spindle has been upgraded to a single-ended 9.7 kW spindle with automatic HSK32E clamping. HSK arbors, provide both face and taper contact when located in the wheel spindle. This results in very accurate and repeatable location of wheel packs – an essential requirement for regrinding applications. The GLX is a sequential loader that uses a vertical belt to house up to 84 tools of varying diameter and geometry in a series of pockets. Together with Nikken, ANCA has developed a system for changing the AMK type collets. Using the hydraulically-actuated AMK collets delivers outstanding run-out results and also minimises the initial cost of accessory tooling as only one collet is required for each tool diameter. The first tool in the diameter run is transferred with the collet, then all transfers of the same diameter after that are the tool only. Once the run is complete, the collet is transferred back into the loader and a new diameter collet loaded. The GLX can be installed on both the GX7 and the GX7+ and delivers higher productivity levels on small or large batch runs.When coupled with the GX7+, the system becomes a highly-efficient, automated solution for regrinding.