Tool and Cutter Grinder changes to new tool quickly.
Press Release Summary:
The TX7 performs complete changeover of wheel pack, coolant system, workholding collet, and pallet in less than 3 min. because wheel packs and corresponding coolant manifolds are prepared off-machine. It has 24 hp, 10,000 rpm spindle, automatic wheel changer, 3,000 rpm headstock, and ToolRoom tool and cutter grinding software. Direct drive work head allows users to include cylindrical grinding operations in tool grinding process.Original Press Release:
New CNC Production Tool and Cutter Grinder to Demonstrate Rapid Changeover
An all-new production tool and cutter grinder, to be demonstrated by ANCA, Inc., at IMTS Booth 7432, promises to reduce the cost of tools and improve cutter quality while reducing cycle times. The new TX7 features a powerful 24-HP, 10,000 RPM spindle, an automatic wheel changer, optional auto-loading system, and a revolutionary 3000 RPM headstock. ANCA's ToolRoom tool and cutter grinding software will drive the new machine.
The new TX7 performs a complete changeover of wheel pack, coolant system, workholding collet and pallet in less than 3 minutes. Typical machines require 15-20 minutes to several hours for changeover to produce another type of tool. For the TX7, wheel packs and corresponding coolant manifolds are prepared off-machine and quickly exchanged to grind a new tool.
Another first, the direct drive, high-speed (3000 RPM compared to 200 RPM typically) work head (A axis), allows users to include cylindrical grinding operations in the tool grinding process without changing the set up, and to fully grind stepped or tapered blanks to the final tool. OD grinding for reamers and drills is also possible. This new capability for tool and cutter grinders means tools can be produced complete in a single setup, and helps to minimize production time for many tools that now require two operations to complete.
The TX7 is equipped with the patented Big Plus wheel mounting system to assure ultra-high precision running of the grinding wheel. The system, superior to a conventional tapered holder, provides a more complete and concentric contact plus flange contact. The resulting highly rigid assembly nearly eliminates runout and deflection, and benefits wheel life, surface finish, and part tolerance.
In addition to speed of changeover, the CNC wheel changer allows the manufacturer to apply two wheel packs to one application, accomplishing more operations in a single setup. Mounted on a manifold, coolant piping changes with the wheel packs, so that coolant flow is always tuned to the wheel in use for optimum coolant application.
A convenient new feature of the TX7 is in-process dressing. Mounted to the back of the chuck on the high-speed work head, the dresser roll is easily accessed or introduced to the wheels with minimal axis strokes.
According to Russell Riddiford, ANCA's international sales director, "With increasing requirements for extended unmanned operation and higher quality tools, wheel dressing is a critical capability. The easy availability of dressing can significantly improve tool accuracy, especially in profile tools." An optional high-pressure wheel cleaning jet keeps the grinding wheels open and performing to their optimum.
The optional loader mounted to the left of the machine is provided with its own control panel to enable quick, safe setup requiring only one operator. The loader brings the tool into the machine on a pneumatic carriage while the headstock automatically positions itself to receive the tool in a rapid tool change cycle.
ANCA's CIMulator3D® provides an off-line tool development environment which enables the efficient design of new tooling and the required manufacturing process, avoiding loss of production. Setup time for new tools is dramatically reduced, and production can begin more quickly. Typically used as an offline workstation, CIMulator3D can also be run on the CNC to simulate tool production programs before grinding.
ANCA, Inc., Farmington Hills, MI, with sales engineering locations worldwide, is the world's leader in tool and cutter grinding technology, producing advanced CNC tool and cutter grinding machine tools and software. For further information, contact Russell Riddiford, international sales manager, 248.426.3551.
