Product category:
Tool and cutter grinding
News Release from: Anca Pty | Subject: CNC tool and cutter grinder
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 19 August 2005
Tool and cutter grinder cuts lead-times
Turbine parts maker can now get a tool from offline 3D simulator verification software, to a machine, confidently ground and checked to be within the tight 5 micron tolerance in 55 minutes.
Centrax is a company based in Newton Abbot, Devon, United Kingdom and is a significant supplier of complex components for the Aerospace and Industrial Gas Turbine industry Centrax have recently ordered and installed an ANCA GX7 Tool and Cutter grinder for the production of profile tooling
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 25 May 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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Centrax purchased an RGX machine nearly two years ago, which was the predecessor of the GX7.
The RGX machine is still an active component of Centrax's production facility.
So Centrax is already familiar with the high quality of the machines and level of service from ANCA.
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On the GX7 they are predominantly making Root Form Profiles for the blades and it is critical that the tools are made accurately and with repeatability to high tolerances, +/-5 microns which is the norm.
Andy Bould, project manager at Centrax, states that even though the tolerance on the form tool is very tight to produce on a Helix, Centrax are now manufacturing this tool with a 30 deg helix to within 2 microns on the GX7 Machine.
Previously, the procedure was to grind a tool and send it for coating.
Then when it came back, cut a part, Andy Bould would regularly have to change the profile on the tool and go through the whole procedure again to get a correct tool.
With the new procedure on the GX7 Machine, in conjunction with the iView Camera for inspection of the tool profile he is confident he will get a good tool first time.
Centrax can now get a tool from their offline 3D simulator verification software, to the machine, confidently ground and checked with iView to be within the tight 5 micron tolerance in 55 minutes.
The new tool is sent for coating, after which it produces on average 600 parts compared to the tools they have manufactured in the past producing only 50 parts.
This now constitutes an enormous cost and time saving to Centrax.
Hence, increases production and productivity levels.
The iView Camera is easily mounted and set on the machine, and has a standard magnification of 300:1, other magnifications can be provided, and the accuracy of the system is 2 micron.
iView software enables import of DXF Files and based on these generate overlays for profiles and step tool measurement.
Measured data are fed back into the grinding cycle for automatic compensation with the option of a printed measurement protocol if required.
ANCA as a company are always looking for added value, benefits, and the latest technology to offer the customer.
For Centrax, the installation of the GX7 machine with iView proved to be the case.
* About ANCA - ANCA was founded in 1974 to design and manufacture high technology Computer Numerical Controls (CNCs) for the machine tool and metal-based industries.
Today, ANCA has become a leading designer and manufacturer of complete, precision CNC tool and cutter grinding machines in a global niche market.
With its core values of precision, innovation, quality and technological excellence, ANCA is today an international organisation of more than 300 employees with a robust set of technological and entrepreneurial skills.
Offices are located in major cities in Europe, North America and Asia; with dealerships represented in over 25 countries.
ANCA continues to research market demands and produce products and services to benefit its customers.
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