Product category:
Tool and cutter grinding
News Release from: Walter GB | Subject: Tool and cutter grinder R and D
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 15 August 2002
Investment in tool and cutter grinding
rewarding
Tool and cutter grinder manufacturer, which spends five per cent of turnover on R and D, records improvements in machine productivity as well as advances in control software and Internet service.
The latest results of Walter AG's impressive R and D programme - which annually accounts for five per cent of turnover - are improvements in machine productivity as well as advances in control software and the company's Internet-enabled services In addition to launching the new, ultra-fast range of Woodtronic Rapide saw blade grinding machines and the 40-position Discloader tool carousel for the Helitronic Power Production and Regrinder tool and cutter grinders, Dr Ing
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 20 Jun 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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Uwe Sporl, managing director of Walter AG's machine division, said software is now the key differentiator in terms of machine performance and capability.
"Machine design has to a certain extent reached a plateau," said Dr Sporl, "so we've been investing a lot of time and resource into new generation software.
Scheduled for launch later this year/early next year, the new software will enable us to maintain our global lead that is reflected by having over 2,200 machines in use throughout the world.
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"In addition, we are planning further developments with our Internet initiatives, adding e-learning capabilities to our already successful online machine diagnostics and product catalogue services as well as our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) database." Responding to whether Sandvik's ownership of Walter AG has placed any new demands on the company, Dr Sporl re-affirmed that Walter's goal is, as always, to be successful.
"Again, software is the key," he said.
"A good example of this is our Automated Toolroom concept which integrates all of Walter's 'tool system' capabilities.
"By seamlessly linking tool simulation (Cyber Grinding) with tool measurement (Helicheck and Toolcheck) and using instantaneous corrective feedback to the tool grinder (Helitronic Power Production and Regrinder), customers can boost productivity by up to 50 per cent through reduced set-up and prove-out times," he confirmed.
Dr Sporl was announcing the developments at Walter AG's July open house in Tubingen, near Stuttgart, where the new Woodtronic Rapide machines were being displayed for the first time.
With up to six axes, the Woodtronic Rapide range is designed for the production and regrinding of TCT saw blades, and can now complete certain tooth production routines up to 30 per cent faster.
Also making its public debut was the integrated Discloader for the Helitronic Power Production and Regrinder tool grinders.
This can accommodate 40 tools of up to 32mm diameter and 160mm long.
The Discloader is the smaller version of the 280-tool Loader.
These developments follow last year's launches of the innovative Helitronic Power + Diamond tool and cutter grinder as well as the Tiger.tec (registered) range of carbide inserts that can produce cycle time savings of up to 75 per cent when machining cast iron.
The Helitronic Power + Diamond combines CNC erosion with 'conventional' CNC tool grinding for the machining of both PCD and cemented carbide and HSS tools.
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