Tool Grinding Machine Excels at Complex Tool Production

United Grinding features its Walter Helitronic Power 400 tool grinding machine, which is said to offer powerful, flexible production and resharpening of rotationally symmetrical HSS, carbide, cermet and ceramic workpieces. The machine generates high-precision, complex drills, step tools, milling cutters, woodworking and form tools and many other types in single clampings and offers optimum productivity with options such as automatic grinding wheel changing, various loading systems and dual spindle ends.

With workpiece space for parts up to 14.96" (380 mm) in length (end face grinding), the Walter Helitronic Power 400 features a highly rigid bed with vibration damping for improved part surfaces and greater precision. United Grinding adds that the 34,867 hp (26kW) machine with direct-drive spindle motor and liquid cooling system is now available as a version with one spindle end or two spindle ends. Each spindle end can take up to three grinding wheels. Optional grinding wheel changers offer a capacity of up to 24 grinding wheels with a maximum diameter of 10" (254 mm).

United Grinding also offers the Walter Helitronic Tool Studio software, which the company says provides operational convenience with all grinding applications, with little user input required to program machining steps and movement sequences. Accurate onscreen 3D simulations of parts heighten accuracy, with program packages available for all standard tool families. Software options provide an integrated CAD system, feed rate control automation and wheel/machine load monitoring, and also simplify the process of grinding identical jobs in multiple production locations.

For special applications, optional robot loaders improve accessibility to parts. The optional Combi package offers a rapid replacement system for HSK-63 mounting shanks, while the optional Multi-Range package provides large-diameter coverages with dual gripper fingers and a collet replacement. For a space-saving automation solution integrated directly into the machine envelope, a top loader option includes a 500-tool maximum capacity, dependent on the tool diameter.

To simplify wheel dressing and conditioning, the Walter Helitronic Power 400 is said to accept an optional electrical wheel dresser, along with a permanently installed sharpening stone holder automated directly through its tool studio software. Optional automated measurement of grinding wheels and machine reference heightens production efficiency with time-saving accuracy.