tool & cutter grinding
Anca’s return to Grindtech focuses on the GX7+ and RX7SP CNC grinding
machines. Both machines represent the latest developments in grinding
machines and made their public debuts at EMO last September.
Simple and elegant
ANCA has two new automation features for the GX7
resharpening machine, enhancing flexibility and
productivity. A seven-station wheel changer has been
added to the GX7 to create the new GX7+, and an 85-pocket
tool loader-known as a GLX-is now available for both
machines. Mounted on the side of the Z-axis saddle, the
wheel changer is completely contained within the
standard machine canopy. This maintains machine
footprint, and also reduces the wheel-pack change time.
With seven wheel packs available on the changer, the
GX7’s standard double-ended spindle has been upgraded to
a single-ended 9.7 kW (13 HP) spindle with automatic
HSK32E clamping. HSK arbors, provide both face and
taper contact when located in the wheel spindle. This
means accurate and repeatable location of wheel packs -
essential for regrinding applications. The availability of
seven wheel packs delivers new levels of flexibility for
regrind shops as a wider variety of tools can be ground in a
single setup. Additionally, the time saved by not having to
manually change wheel packs for different tool types
significantly increases the machine’s productivity.
Anca International Marketing Manager Duncan
Thompson had this to say about the GX7+/GLX
combination: ‘Looking at the needs of today’s tool regrind
shops, we could see that improved flexibility and
automation was a key to remaining competitive. Anca has
delivered this with the GX7+ wheel exchanger, but done so
with a simple and elegant design that has enabled us to
keep its price competitive.’ In response to market needs to
further enhance the system, ANCA designed the GLX auto
loader especially for regrinding applications. This
sequential loader uses a vertical belt to house up to 84 tools
74 MWP march 2008
of varying diameter and geometry in a series of pockets.
Together with Nikken, Anca has developed a system for
changing AMK type collets. Using the hydraulicallyactuated
AMK collets delivers outstanding run-out results
and also minimises the initial cost of accessory tooling as
only one collet is required for each tool diameter.
Innovative design means that collets and tools with
diameters ranging from 3 to 20mm and up to 200mm long
can be loaded using a single set of grippers. The vertical
design of the GLX was adopted specifically with the intent
of minimising the machine’s total footprint. The GLX can
be installed on both the GX7 and the GX7+ and delivers
higher productivity levels on small or large batch runs.
When coupled with the GX7+, the system becomes a
highly-efficient, automated solution for regrinding.
Alongside this, the latest evolution of the successful RX7
CNC grinder, the RX7SP, has been specifically designed for
grinding cutting tools with diameters down to 0.5mm.
Grinding tools this small brings its own challenges,
requiring innovative use of technology and precise
manufacturing techniques to resolve them. The RX7SP is
the product of an extensive R&D program conducted to
resolve several problems related to grinding small tools.
Duncan Thompson says the results more than justify the
efforts: ‘There are aspects that make grinding small tools a
real challenge. Machine accuracy is obviously critical, but
in addition, grinding process issues of vibration, thermal
growth, wheel wear and tool run-out have a much more
noticeable effect when grinding small tools. Our
engineering team developed solutions to each problem that
combine to produce excellent finished tools.’
www.anca.com
For low cost, high productivity manufacture and resharpening of solid carbide and high
speed steel drilling and milling tools, a new generation of diamond impregnated grinding
wheels will be introduced at GrindTec 2008.
New wheels for tool and cutter grinding
STARTEC-HP combines an improved bond, new abrasive types and a new core. The easy-cutting bond
system results in outstanding cooling characteristics during creep feed grinding of flutes. The products are
easy to dress, which is particularly important for profile wheels. A non-ferrous core system is used which is
lighter and provides better vibration damping characteristics than a steel core; and it is more tolerant to
operator error, eliminating sparking if the wheel approaches the component too quickly.
The wheels are said to allow an increase in traverse speed of about 50% and to reduce flute grinding time by 40%. Further benefits are typically 20% lower
power consumption, accurate profile holding and 30% longer wheel life. Production of solid carbide cutters was revolutionised in the 80s, since which time
significant improvements have been made to the rigidity of grinding machines, and to the formulation and delivery of synthetic oil coolants (as opposed to
emulsions), allowing higher stock removal rates and better surface finish. In the past five years, peripheral wheel speeds in the range 16 to 20 m/s have
been promoted when grinding tungsten carbide tools, demanding higher power at low revs. Startec-HP has been developed with these factors in mind. As
with all grinding techniques that Tyrolit offers, it supplies a package of additional services to manufacturers using the wheels. They include advice on
recommended coolant pressure and quantity to achieve optimum self-sharpening effect, and infeed / rotational speed combinations that result in the best
balance between stock removal rates and wheel lifetime. www.tyrolit.com
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