Press Release. Turning/grinding center INDEX C200 Now also horizontal integration of grinding technology

Transcription

1 Press Release Turning/grinding center INDEX Now also horizontal integration of grinding technology The is already one of the most successful machine series of INDEX in Esslingen, Germany. Its exceptionally robust machine construction, ultimate machining precision and enormous speed were ideal starting conditions for developing it further to a horizontal turning/milling center. Not only the standard turning qualities but also achieving the typical grinding qualities in the combined process on one machine are remarkable. Well-proven on the basic machine of the INDEX series, a vertical machine bed supports horizontal main and counter spindles. The upper turret has made room for a straight or inclined grinding unit. The lower X/Y/Z turret with its 14 stations opens additional machining capabilities with versatile INDEX grinding tool holders, apart from turning and milling tools. The sliding guide system (INDEX SingleSlide) with excellent damping and rigidity properties ensures highest precision on both tool carriers and longer tool lives. The turning/grinding center has a clearly structured and setup-friendly working area allowing unhindered chip flow. The spindle distance of more than 700 mm enables simultaneous front and rear end machining on the main and counter spindles or Page 1 of 5

2 clamping of long workpieces (shaft parts) between the centers. Low secondary times, for example, for pick-up at the main spindle, are the result of fast rapid traverse rates of up to 50 m/min in the counter spindle s Z-axis. To assist the operator, the turning/grinding center is equipped with an advanced, intuitive user interface based on the Siemens Sinumerik 840D powerline. This makes it easy to safely handle several tool carriers simultaneously whether during setup and run-in or by synchronized representation of the subsystems during programming. For combined machining by turning and grinding, the INDEX is equipped with all the necessary features and easy-to-operate grinding cycles. A variety of grinding wheel contours can be programmed with ease for dressing. Using single-grain diamonds, dressing tiles, rondists or diamond rings, grinding wheels are continuously kept sharp and in shape by periodic dressing from the clamping device. An electromechanical balancing head with a solid-borne sound sensor monitors the automatic balancing process of the wheel. Setting the grinding wheel to the workpiece called sparking is supported by measuring the motor current consumption and displaying it on the screen as a standard feature. Of course, continuous in-process measuring of the diameter using a caliper on the lower turret is also provided during the grinding process, taking no additional time. The works with micron precision for a wide variety of grinding methods. For example, for grinding of threads of any style and pitch types, where significant ratio effects can be achieved by prechasing and finish-grinding. Even ballscrews and highprecision internal threads (nuts) can be ground. Also eccentric grinding of different geometries, as required for camshafts, Capto mountings, and control cams, are possible without problems. Another plus is grinding slots and surfaces via the standard Y-axis of the lower turret using live tool holders. For the process combination of hard turning and grinding, the turning/grinding center INDEX offers particular advantages through shorter cycle times, higher quality, and greater process safety. The rigidity of the machine design takes into account the high process forces during turning and milling, ensuring tolerances during grinding to the nearest micron. Roundnesses of 0.1 to 0.5 µm, roughnesses Ra of 0.1 to 4 µm and Rz of 1 to 3 µm can be achieved. Overall, meeting tight geometrical and positional tolerances by complete machining in one clamping setup has become considerably easier. Besides highly productive machining with up to 65 mm bar clearance, the automated material handling for chuck and shaft parts needs to be mentioned for the fast Page 2 of 5

3 turning/grinding center. An integrated workpiece handling unit (INDEX WHU) with an external pallet station automatically supplies chuck or shaft parts to the machine. A swing/gripper arm places the machined parts automatically onto a conveyor belt or onto dedicated pallet stations. The automated handling of premachined workpieces not only increases productivity but also allows integration into chained systems. The types of grinding processes possible on the turning/grinding center INDEX are almost limitless. All the common technologies are catered for: external and internal grinding, longitudinal and surface grinding, as well as slot and flat grinding. Financially, it is worth mentioning that this turning/grinding center saves the cost of grinding operations on separate machines and, thus, lower productivity. Cycle times and, consequently, the costs per part decrease significantly with the integration of additional machining capabilities on a single machine. Contact: INDEX-Werke GmbH & Co. KG Hahn & Tessky Michael Czudaj Sales Manager Germany and Austria Phone: michael.czudaj@index-werke.de Page 3 of 5

4 Figure 1: The turning/grinding center INDEX shows its advantages in the process combination of turning and grinding Figure 2: The kinematics of the INDEX with a grinding wheel at the top Figure 3: Simultaneous grinding on the front and rear ends Page 4 of 5

5 Figure 4: Continuous diameter monitoring during the grinding process using a caliper Figure 5: High-precision thread grinding with the INDEX grinding tool holder on the lower turret Figure 6: Easy dressing from the clamping device. Periodical dressing keeps the grinding wheel continuously sharp and in shape Page 5 of 5