Cylindrical Grinder Shows Off High Precision

In addition to the presence of several top-of-the-line grinders, and a range of digital machining solutions, United Grinding North America features the Studer S131r cylindrical ID-radius grinding machine for the toughest ID grinding operations where maximum precision is paramount. 

The Studer S131r is said to excel in general grinding applications and the production of complex workpieces made from extremely hard materials, along with hydraulic components such as axial pump pistons, guide plates and housings from hardened steel, cast iron and copper. The machine also handles single-clamping production of complex workpieces with tapers between 20º and 90º.

The machine’s fully automatic, completely sealed, simultaneously swiveling direct-drive B-axis offers distinctive thermal stability, mechanical rigidity and interpolation from -60º to +91º, while the workhead C-axis enables form and thread grinding. High-precision axis drives with linear motors add speed and accuracy, the company says, and a -50º  to +280º  swiveling spindle turret with up to four grinding spindles enhances grinding flexibility. StuderSIM software enables operators to machine complex parts, often in a single clamping

With a swing diameter of 300 mm (11.81") above the table, 350 mm (13.78") X-axis/cross slide travel and 400 mm (15.75") Z-axis/longitudinal slide travel, the S131r can reportedly machine external diameters up to 160 mm (6.3") with an external grinding wheel 250 mm (9.84") in diameter. The S131r accommodates parts up to 300 mm (11.81") long and up to 100 kg (220 lbs), including clamping devices.

Of particular notes for moldmakers is the wheelhead with different wheel configuration options, and the possibility for an infinite B-axis. Whether the OD, ID or face needs to be ground — depending on the mold — these grind types can be accommodated with different wheels on up to three different spindles. On the other hand, an infinite B-axis enables moldmakers to control the wheel swivel down to the 1/10,000ths of a single degree, so that a single wheel can be used for multiple angles and features on a single part.