New Haas CA 5-axis grinding machine for cutting tools

The new CA machine is based on the company's CB machine and created a slightly smaller version that offers the same flexibility and precision, but with a large cost saving of some 40%, making this new machine especially cost-efficient for manufacturing cutting tools. The machine takes 2,660 by 2,400 mm of floor space and is equipped with a 12Kw grinding spindle as standard, or with a larger and more powerful 14.5 kW spindle as an option, and is offered in three variants of up to 36,000 rpm. The general working envelope allows for parts of up to 360 mm in diameter and 400 mm in length to be ground. An automatic tool changer for exchanging up to 27 grinding wheels, together with automatic part loading are available, via an optional fully integrated Fanuc robot system. For those that prefer the automatic exchange of grinding wheels, the machine can be equipped with a smaller wheel changer that has a lower capacity of eight grinding wheel sets or the larger Haas wheel changer with up to 20 stations. Grinding wheels of up to 250 mm in diameter may be automatically exchanged in less than 8 seconds. For other end users that don't require the automatic exchange of grinding wheels, the CA machine may also be specified with a single double ended grinding spindle. A new Haas patented design allows not only for the coolant pipes to be automatically exchanged along with grinding wheel sets, but for them to then be automatically and individually controlled for positional change via the NC control during the grinding process. A 3D measurement probe is standard fitment and automatic wheel dressing via single point or table mounted diamond roll is also available. With new menu driven 3D cutting tool software that's been developed in-house, operators can quickly and easily programme cutting tools, either on the machine itself or, otherwise, off-line on a separate PC. Those manufacturing profile inserts can import contours directly from a DXF format file or alternatively free-programme contours on the machine. With the Haas 3D simulation software, operators can check the generated grinding program prior to actual grinding taking place to be sure that it is correct and that there is not a risk of collision. Cycle times may also be calculated prior to manufacture to ensure that those are also fully optimised before grinding commences.