‘One for all’ – is the motto according to which sharpening specialist Vollmer has developed and launched its new VGrind infinity linear tool grinding machine.
Vollmer’s VGrind infinity linear tool grinding machine is the new all-rounder for the flexible production of rotary tools. It can precisely, quickly and energy-efficiently machine precision tools with diameters from 0.2 to 200mm made of different cutting materials such as carbide, high-speed steel, PCBN or ceramic. Automation and digital solutions from the VGrind infinity linear enable unmanned operation around the clock, from small batch sizes and special solutions to series production.
The VGrind infinity linear grinding machine from Vollmer automatically machines various cutting materials such as carbide, high-speed steel (HSS), PCBN (polycrystalline cubic boron nitride), or ceramic in a single setup.
The foundation for precise sharpening processes comprises two vertically configured grinding spindles, which enable efficient multi-level machining and, according to Vollmer, therefore resolve issues associated with fixed and floating bearings commonly found in competitor machines. Furthermore, the grinding wheel set at the pivot point of the C-axis and the wear-free linear induction motors on the X-, Y-, and Z-axes ensure a lifetime of accuracy and stability.
Adapts to any sharpening process
Thanks to the configurable spindles, tool manufacturers can customise both the speed and the power for each tool and cutting material. The optimised spindle transmission ratio guarantees a constant torque, which is delivered by the compact, powerful and energy-efficient motor.
The machine rigidity and intelligent cooling concept on the VGrind infinity linear, which ensures thermal stability with plate heat exchangers, achieve excellent tool precision. If required, the VGrind infinity linear also runs through a defined warm-up programme for thermal stability at the start of a shift. As soon as all monitored operating parameters are within the target range, scheduled production starts automatically, shortening set warm-up times.
In terms of tool dimensions, the VGrind infinity linear is capable of machining micro tools with diameters from 0.2mm up to large drills and milling cutters with diameters of 200mm – and all this with tool lengths of up to 360mm. The machine has various steady rest systems for short and long tools as well as top clamp supports, ensuring precise machining with the integrated laser measuring system that can measure cylindrical tools up to 32mm in diameter.
Automation for round-the-clock production
Several automated systems facilitate unmanned operation around the clock. Tools with varying shank diameters can be accommodated, while the HP 170 pallet magazine automatically supplies up to 900 shank-type tools to the machine.
An optional camera system can optically locate and orientate blanks with coolant holes down to 0.05mm. The HC 4 and HC 4 Plus chain magazines can be employed to provide various shank-type and HSK tools, and the internal pallet loader offers space for up to 300 shank-type tools. An eight-position grinding wheel changer ensures maximum autonomy and a diverse range of variants for tool production. Additionally, the IoT gateway, integrated as standard, manages the data flow between the machine and the digital environment.
“Customers can use the VGrind infinity linear to automatically produce small batch sizes with variable tool diameters or even large series, and the machine also has the flexibility to set up complex sharpening processes quickly, precisely and reliably,” says Tobias Trautmann, Vollmer’s managing director. “With this machine, we have an all-rounder that bears the name ‘infinity’ for a reason, as it opens up endless possibilities for customised tool grinding.”
