Product category:
Abrasive machining - manual and CNC machines
News Release from: Fritz Studer | Subject: Modular cylindrical grinders
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 20 May 2002
Modular platform concept is the user's
advantage
In many industrial fields, including the automobile industry, product platforms have been used successfully for several years, it has now been applied to cylindrical grinders.
The modular platform concept is to the customer's advantage In many industrial fields, including the automobile industry, product platforms have been used successfully for several years A standardisation of systems, sub-assemblies and components, even over different makes and models, are of central importance, the main target being a reduction of engineering time and costs
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 21 Feb 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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Although the above cannot be directly applied to machine tolls, the following explanations should show that similarities exist and a platform concept also provides considerable advantages with regard to the universal and external cylindrical grinding machines of Studer.
The Studer product range is characterised by a large variety of machine types and versions with the intention of satisfying the different requirements of a large number of international customers.
Due to this multitude of types and variations, there are additional expenses for engineering, production and logistics.
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Increased machine rigidity, longer X-axis travels and higher speeds and the capability of taking larger wheelheads, feature a new versatile cylindrical grinder.
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Safety critical machining of fuel injection components in large series, or universal machining of small series, always within tolerances of a few microns: these are the jobs for internal grinders.
In this field, a modular platform concept, combined with a consequent "same part strategy", provides economical and technical advantages for the manufacturer as well as for the customer.
All the new developments of recent years in the field of universal and cylindrical external grinding machines are based on two basic platform types with standardised sub-assemblies, components and interfaces.
The product platforms for the respective machine types derive from this: Platform basis A for the machines S21, S31 and eco, Platform basis B for machines S32 and S41 Further product platforms can be built from the above, and realised with minimal technical risks.
Characteristics of the basic types of platforms A and B - common characteristics * Machine bed in Granitan S103 with 3-point support.
* Circulating balls screws with directly coupled servo motors.
* Linear measuring systems.
* Well dimensioned slides.
* Coolant tray.
* Protected guideways.
Varying characteristics: Platform type A: * Distance between centres max: 1000mm.* Centre height max: 175mm.
* Workpiece weight, max: 120kg.
* Guideways, X and Z axis: linear roller ways.
* Distance between the guideways: 200 mm.
* Workpiece table: 140 mm for centre height 175mm and 200mm for centre height 225mm.
Platform type B: * Distance between centres, max: 1600mm.
* Centre height max: 225mm.
* Workpiece weight max: 180kg.
* Guideways: X axis: Pre-loaded hydrostatic guideways and Z axis, linear roller bearings.
* Distance between the guideways: 250mm.
* Workpiece table: 140mm.
Platform concept combined with modular sub-assemblies - the combination of product platforms and modular sub-assemblies, such as wheelheads, workheads, tailstocks, etc, form the basis for a versatile and clear product structure.
However, the possibilities of combining are limited by physical and economical restrictions.
These are due to the machine sizes, the drive power of the wheelhead and the type of machine, i e, universal or cylindrical external grinding machine.
Product and strategic marketing considerations are further criteria which can influence and restrict the combination possibilities.
The basic versions of wheelheads are firmly allocated to the different product platforms.
We distinguish between wheelheads with integrated B axis for the universal cylindrical grinding machines and the fixed or limited swivelling wheelheads for the cylindrical external grinding machines.
The layout of grinding wheels can be adapted to the customer's requirements within the possibilities of the respective modular concept.
For further information with regard to the grinding wheel layout, please refer to the respective documents.
Depending on the main use, the product platforms can be equipped with workheads for universal or chuck applications.
One of the main differences, apart from the admissible load, is the tool clamping interface.
For automatic processing, for instance of highly accurate components in large series for the Diesel injection industry, special workheads can be installed.
On all the product platforms there is the same basic tailstock type.
This unit is conceived for the different centre heights and table loads.
For automatic processing, special versions are available.
Summary - the modular platform concept for the universal and external cylindrical grinding machines of Studer brings various advantages: * Reduced engineering time and costs for realising similar machine types or versions.
* Savings for the manufacturer and the customer by using compatible systems and components.
* Versatile product structures by combining the product platforms with modular sub-assemblies and standardised interfaces.
* High reliability of the products thanks to ample experience gained with the product platforms under different working conditions.
* High and stable quality thanks to production in series and standardised quality checks.
* Accessories can be used for different product platforms.
* Identical service and maintenance thanks to similar systems and components.
* Short-term availability of spare parts.
* Simplified retrofitting of functions and sub-assemblies.
(This was Manufacturingtalk's Top Story on 17 May 2002).
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