Product category:
Tool and cutter grinding
News Release from: Walter GB | Subject: Helitronic Vision five-axis CNC tool grinder
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 24 November 2003
Tool grinder offers 50% productivity
gains
Tool grinding productivity gains of up to 50 per cent are promised with an innovative five-axis CNC tool grinder with rapid traverse speeds of 50m/min.
Tool grinding productivity gains of up to 50 per cent are promised with the innovative Helitronic Vision five-axis CNC tool grinder just announced by Walter GB of Redditch Direct drive systems to all five axes permit rapid traverse speeds of 50m/min in the linear X, Y and Z axes, and there is gearless direct drive to the rotary A and C axes
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 3 Nov 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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Five axes tool grinder has simplified programming
Tool grinding productivity gains of up to 50 per cent are promised with an innovative five-axis CNC tool grinder whose control combines tool simulation with simplified programming routines.
Five-axis tool grinder gives 50% more productivity
Spearheading a 'tool system' display at MACH, will be an innovative five-axis CNC tool grinder promises tool grinding productivity gains of up to 50 per cent over competitor machines.
The machine features a rigid 100mm diameter grinding spindle with 30 kW motor having spindle speeds up to 12,000 revs/min.
Coupled with the new generation HMC 600 control system with Microsoft Windows XP and the Helitronic Tool Studio programming software, the all-new Helitronic Vision sets new standards in CNC tool grinding efficiency and effectiveness, generating shorter cycle times and consistent grinding surfaces finishes of 0.1 micron Ra.
Of Walter's characteristic build quality encompassing heavy-duty, patented gantry design and mineral cast bed for excellent rigidity, damping and thermal expansion properties, the Helitronic Vision accommodates rotary HSS and carbide tools from 3mm to 320mm diameter and up to 370mm long for length/contour grinding and 300mm long for length/face grinding.
Further reading
Direct linear drives contribute to 50% output gain
Innovative five-axis CNC tool grinder that uses direct linear drive systems to all five axes and gearless direct drive to rotary A and C axes, offers 50% productivity gains.
Circular saws ground under 'lights out' conditions
The potential for extended production routines including lights-out operation have spurred Harrison Saw and Tool, to invest in a Woodtronic CNC circular saw blade grinder with auto Loader.
Tool grinder meets rising aerospace demand
Rising order levels from its aerospace customer base have prompted cutting tool specialist, Techni-grind (Preston), to buy a Walter Helitronic Power Regrinder tool and cutter grinder.
In addition, the use of glass scales leads to maximum positional accuracy on all three linear axes.
The new generation HMC 600 control system also contributes to the machine's improved performance: the introduction of the Microsoft Windows XP operating system and 2.4 GHz processor (Pentium 4) provides maximum computing power via the easy-to-operate 15 inch TFT touch screen.
In tandem with these control hardware developments is the introduction of the new Helitronic Tool Studio programming software that combines the benefits of tool simulation with simplified yet high-performance programming routines.
Importantly, the system enables users to generate machining programs for complex tools quickly and simply - and to simultaneously simulate and if necessary adjust all proposed grinding routines before production commences.
As each parameter is changed, the program is automatically recalculated and the appropriate/correct three-dimensional graphic appears on screen - hence Walter's catchphrase of 'What you see is what you grind'.
With Helitronic Tool Studio, there is no limit to the number of operations performed on each tool.
Users simply add new operations as required, thus creating tools of any complexity.
The software can define each machining parameter, so even tools featuring different helix angles on each flute and constant land widths present no problem.
Incorporating a Tool Wizard, the system guides users through the menu to enable tools to be generated with minimal effort.
Using this system, even complex stepped tools can be defined as 'standard tools' using Walter's 'Knowledge Base'.
This is a database that comprises decades of tool geometry knowledge.
Users simply enter a minimal number of necessary parameters and the database automatically does the rest.
Other machine features that encourage the Helitronic Vision's increased productivity title include a twin-spindle grinding head that can hold up to eight grinding wheels, automatic tool measuring and positioning, as well as the optional Production Loader.
This integrated automatic load/unload facility permits minimally and unmanned production, and is capable of accommodating up to 300 tools.
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