Vertical Machining Center combines turning and grinding.

Press Release Summary:




Featuring open front design, Model V160 incorporates ID/OD grinding, auto loading, and rough machining with automatic in-machine wheel dressing and in-process gauging, permitting production of complete parts in single chucking. Self-loading inverted spindle eliminates need for added automation since it also acts as gantry loader. With nominal chucking capacity of 6.5-8 in. dia, machine provides speeds to 6,000 rpm for OD grinding and 40,000-100,000 rpm for ID grinding.



Original Press Release:



New Grinding/Machining Center Combines Roughing Operations with Finish OD and ID Grinding, Auto Loading



INDEX will introduce at IMTS Booth A-8358 its new V160 vertical grinding and machining center which incorporates ID/OD grinding, auto loading, and rough machining (hard turning) with automatic in-machine wheel dressing and in-process gauging, permitting the production of high precision parts complete in a single chucking. The highly efficient and affordable system is capable of performing inverted vertical OD and ID- grinding and turning on one platform, saving users throughput time and capital cost while improving cycle times and precision for a wide range of parts.

The new machine concept is based on input from potential users who looked for a way to combine turning and grinding in a single platform in order to reduce cycle times and improve part precision on a wide range of precision shafts, fuel injector bodies, gears, and more.

The self loading inverted spindle concept eliminates the need for added automation systems since the moving spindle acts also as a gantry loader.

A significant benefit is that the machine can be tailored to specific production needs by incorporating different types of grinding operations and combining them with rough machining, such as turning or boring, making it a true grinding center. The open front design concept contributes to reduced set up time, faster changeover and tool change, and results in significantly lower production cost and improved work piece quality.
"This new machine can achieve more accuracy and speed in these types of precision applications because grinding and rough machining is accomplished in one chucking," an INDEX spokesman said. "The precision rough machining by means of hard turning leaves minimum necessary stock for grinding, permitting the shortest possible cycle times, yet provides superior part quality."

The V160 includes a very rigid cast iron machine bed, which has been designed with regard to grinding and hard turning application requirements. The large linear guide ways and stiff spindle design add to overall robust machine design, which assures thermo stability and long term accuracy resulting in high production reliability.

The nominal chucking capacity is 160 to 200mm, respectively 6.5 in. to 8 in DIA.

For OD grinding a new flexible grinding spindle accepts grinding wheels up to 400mm/ 16 in. diameter. It is driven by a steplessly programmable cooled motor spindle with up to 6000 RPM speed capability and max 15KW/ 22Hp. Also included is an adjustable angular position and automatic integrated balancing system. Dressing of the wheel does not require a separate CNC wheel dresser, but is accomplished by a dressing tool mounted on the programmable workpiece chuck.

For ID grinding, various types of high precision ID grinding spindles are available with speeds ranging from 40,000 to 100,000 RPM. Dressing of the wheels (mostly CBN) is accomplished in a similar fashion as for the OD wheel, using a dressing ring mounted on the workpiece chuck.

The X axis for the chucking spindle is equipped with a linear motor allowing rapid traverse speeds of up to 60m/ 180ft/ min. This assures the shortest possible work piece load/unload times.

This accessibility also offers unsurpassed ease of operator convenience for quick set up and changeover, as well as tool change. At the same time the open front concept assures unrestricted chip flow and mounting space for special machining units. The building-block system permits automation and other accessories to be custom-configured for a process-oriented, customer-optimized solution. In process as well as post process gauging can easily be added with minimal investment.

The large, open work area also permits integration of other special machining units, such as high power multi-spindle drill heads, polygon turning units, or high frequency drill and mill spindles, as well as large milling heads. All of those are in addition to the standard VDI live tools in the turning tool turret.

The machine concept lends itself to linking together several machines into a production line, simply by extending the work piece conveyor.

For more information please contact:
Sales & Marketing, INDEX Corporation 14700 North Pointe Boulevard
Noblesville, IN 46060 Phone: 317 770 6300 www.index-usa.com email: sales@index-corp.com.

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