CNC Grinding Machine masters PCD/PCBN applications.

Press Release Summary:

To grind PCD and PCBN tools and inserts, 4-axis CNC Easygrind automatically regenerates grinding wheel. Swiveling 3D measuring probe inspects cutting edge of tool to be ground and automatically transmits compensation data relative to infeed rate. GE Fanuc CNC control uses Windows-based software, permitting conversational or real-time programming of tools. Simulation program displays grinding wheel during grinding process in relation to calculated grinding path.

Original Press Release:

Ewag 4-Axis Easygrind Masters PCD/PCBN - Automatically

MIAMISBURG, OH - United Grinding Technologies, Inc. (UGT) announces the availability of the 4-axis CNC Easygrind, a new addition to the Ewag line of high-precision tool grinding machines specifically for tough-to-grind polycrystalline diamond (PCD) and polycrystalline boron nitride (PCBN) tools and inserts. According to Chris Stine, vice president, as the demand for tools of PCD and PCBN has begun to soar, so too has the attendant need to grind and regrind especially automatically - these difficult materials. "The Easygrind was developed around the well-known RS 09 manual machine," Stine says. "We've taken the proven precision and rigidity of that design and added the CNC and ease of programming of the Ewamatic line production grinding center. The result is a machine that's highly productive, versatile and economic."PCD or PCBN indexable inserts can be ground efficiently to the highest quality, Stine says. Convex radii and tangents with equal or unequal clearance angles are also easily handled. Features Grinding PCD and PCBN tools to a "ready to use" state is recognized as "very tough." The face of the diamond wheel dulls after only a relatively short time as the void spaces in the wheel bonding become clogged. At this point, the grinding face must be cleaned by "regeneration" with a SIC stick applied under pressure onto the grinding wheel face. During regeneration, a pressure regulation valve monitors the pressure between grinding wheel face and workpiece cutting edge and modifies the infeed. The user defines how much pressure is required between grinding wheel face and the cutting edge of the indexable insert to be ground. When the pre-set pressure value reaches a high level, the Easygrind automatically regenerates the grinding wheel, thus lowering the pressure to the pre-set value. After regeneration, the wheel is ready to resume continued grinding. 3D & video measuring Calculating stock removal in PCD and PCBN grinding is, quite simply, not possible. The considerable wear on the grinding wheel face, as well as the unknown stock removal of the tool being ground, requires an in-process measuring system to check effective stock removal. On the Easygrind, an automatic swiveling 3D measuring probe inspects the cutting edge of the tool to be ground and automatically transmits compensation data relative to the infeed rate. The measuring cycle repeats itself several times during grinding, depending on the workpiece, and follows the "measure-grind-measure" principle until the required tolerances are achieved. The Easygrind also features a video measuring system to simplify machine setup. In addition, the system can be used for final verification (cutting quality edge and, if needed, radius size) of the workpiece. General Specs Grinding wheelhead X-axis stroke is 230 mm with a resolution of 0.0001 mm. Manually controlled A-axis spindle inclination is -6° to +25°. Z-axis workhead infeed is 0 to 52 mm. Infinitely variable swiveling B-axis resolution is 0.0002°. The 2.2 kW AC variable speed motor has steplessly adjustable speed control up to 8,000 RPM. Control The Easygrind is controlled by a robust and user-friendly GE Fanuc CNC control. Setup and changeover are fast and uncomplicated due to user-friendly Windows(TM) based software permitting conversational or real-time programming of tools. Integrated data management system allows storage of all grinding features, parameters, cycles and routines and allows simultaneous programming of different batches with different geometries. Remote diagnostics, process control and trouble-shooting via standard telephone line and machine modem link are easily facilitated A standard simulation program displays the grinding wheel during the grinding process in relation to the calculated grinding path. This powerful tool permits process analysis and verification prior to actual grinding, assuring that the simulated process matches the desired finish ground result. Ewag machines are renowned for their extraordinary precision, state of the art grinding technology and exceptional durability. Ewag grinding machines are supported by an expert team of grinding specialists and technicians drawing on hundreds of machine installations in more than 50 countries, as well as a worldwide support and service network. United Grinding Technologies Inc., the North American arm of the Korber-Schleifring Group and supplier of such venerable nameplates as Blohm, Ewag, Jung, Magerle, Studer, Studer Mikrosa and Studer Schaudt, is a global leader in grinding technology and has built a reputation for industry-leading innovation and unparalleled service and support.