Rollomatic, a manufacturer of tool grinding machines, is demonstrating its intention to increase the company’s UK market presence by exhibiting two models, including one of its multi-axis cutter grinders, which is being shown in the UK for the first time. These machines are used by cutting-tool manufacturers to produce rotary tools such as end mills and drills to tight tolerances.
After its success at the last MACH show, which resulted in several sales, Rollomatic has again decided to exhibit its NP pinch-peel cylindrical grinding machine. The NP machine helps cutting-tool manufacturers to grind carbide and HSS tool blanks to diameter and form shape, rather than do so on multi-axis tool grinders whereby the blank preparation process takes considerably longer, is more expensive and is generally not as accurate, says AGS.
Newly added to the AGS range, and also receiving its UK debut, is the patented DLyte machine produced by GPA Innova, which is said to be the world’s first dry electro-polishing system. DLyte machines use a novel single-step automated process for polishing metals by ion transport using free solid bodies. The process is dry (no liquid electrolyte) and non-abrasive. Materials processed include steel, stainless steel, cobalt chrome, titanium, aluminium, nickel and precious metal alloys for sectors such as dental, medical, aerospace and automotive. Typical applications for the DLyte machine include bone screws, artificial hip and knee joints, turbine blades, cutting tools, and any similar component whereby fine surfaces finishes to under 0.09 Ra are required without altering key part geometry after the previous grinding or milling process.
The DLyte system obtains a consistent finish, avoiding any polishing marks on the surface, such as those created by conventional machining, and is able to process complex geometries without generating surface micro-scratches.
Chris Boraston, managing director at AGS, says: “After seeing the DLyte machine, we immediately recognised the many advantages it brings to the polishing of parts; many of which are ground on the grinding machines we already sell. We were so impressed with the DLyte and its unique and patented dry polishing process that we decided to purchase our own demonstration machine, which we will be showing on our stand at MACH.”
Tschudin has chosen to exhibit its newly developed Cube machine at MACH, a design of CNC Centreless grinder that will be receiving its UK debut. Like other machines within the Tschudin range, the Cube benefits from a granite bed and a novel axis arrangement that sees the work-rest blade being mounted to its own CNC axis. This configuration allows components to be loaded to the grinder outside of the machine’s working range. The Cube is targeted at companies needing to grind parts from 0.1 to 20 mm in diameter.
Also receiving its UK debut is a Comat super-filtration system that delivers 2-3 micron filtration quality throughout the entire working cycle, thus maximising the quality of parts produced on machines, while minimising lifetime running costs and maintaining coolant consistency. Comat systems are customised to meet a specific client's needs, allowing for maximum efficiency of the filtration process. Oil is said to be filtered to a better quality than new, unused oil. Remote monitoring of the system’s performance ensures that the optimum filtration quality is obtained at all times.
FLP will be exhibiting a single-sided lapping machine suitable for a variety of applications. The broad range of FLP machines also includes twin-wheel, double-sided models. Machines from FLP extend from the most basic, of 400 mm diameter, up to the world’s largest 100 tonne, 4-m diameter giants.
Last but not least, specialists from Krebs & Riedel will be present to discuss all grinding applications and the optimum use of its grinding wheel range. The portfolio includes internal and external grinding wheels up to 900 mm in diameter manufactured using aluminium oxide and silicon carbide, with ceramic and synthetic resin bonds for most industrial grinding applications. Krebs & Riedel also offers vitrified diamond and CBN grinding wheels with ceramic bonds providing a working speed of up to 200 m/s for internal, external and special grinding processes.
