Vollmer Shows New Innovations at MACH 2012

11 January 2012

Following the success of MACH 2010, Vollmer UK Ltd, the specialist for grinding and eroding machinery for tool production and maintenance will be showing exciting new innovations alongside renowned established technology on Stand 4019 at MACH 2012. Shown at MACH 2012 will be the Loroch Ekostar 500 for the CNC re-sharpening, re-toothing and chamfering of HSS circular saw blades. This will be complemented by the established CHD270 for the grinding of TCT tipped circular saw blades whilst the market leading QXD200 disc erosion and grinding machine for processing PCD cutting tools will be highlighting its capabilities for processing cutting tools for the aerospace, F1 and automotive industry sectors.

A totally new concept for metal cutting circular saw blades up to 500mm diameter, the new Ekostar 500 for re-sharpening, re-toothing and chamfering of HSS and solid carbide saw blades offers vari-pitch toothing for chip breaker grooves. Achieving an outstanding grinding quality for standard tooth shapes in accordance with DIN 1837 to 1840 A, B and C, the Ekostar 500 also offers the facility for grinding non-standard tooth shapes.

The optimum grinding finish achieved is the culmination of successful interaction between the saw blade feed and lift movement of the grinding head, which are computer controlled. This results in absolute indexing precision and a perfect tooth shape. The CBN abrasive grinding technique guarantees high stock removal rates coupled and optimum surface quality that ensures productivity and quality beyond competitor machines.

Blade clamping at the point of grinding enables the processing of saw blades from Ø140 to 500mm with the same clamping flange. Additionally, the Ekostar 500 incorporates the Loroch Easy-Touch system for fast and easy programming. It also offers a 240 litre coolant tank with high pressure cooling, all in a completely enclosed unit with a large door for excellent operator access. A machine that is a must see at MACH 2012.

Complementing the Ekostar 500 at MACH 2012 will be the Vollmer CHD270 5-axis precision grinding machine for the grinding of TCT circular saw blades. This impressive fully CNC controlled machine has functions for controlling the feed and hook/clearance angle adjustment as well as an automatic measuring device. The extremely productive unit can also be integrated with a robotic loading system to deliver flexible around the clock machining.

Built with a monobloc design for enhanced rigidity and improved tooth accuracy, the CHD270 has a 2-axis co-ordinate feed for enhanced flexibility. With exceptional flexibility, precision and productivity second to none, the CHD270 is destined to prove a resounding success at MACH 2012.

To meet the surge in demand for PCD (polycrystalline diamond) tipped cutting tools that are a necessity for machining aerospace grade materials, Vollmer will be showing its market leading QXD200 Disc eroding machine for the complete processing of PCD tools.

The QXD200 was extremely well received at MACH 2010 and the 2012 model offers upgraded ExLevel simulation software that will enable various PCD tools such as drill bits and milling cutters to be machined in one clamping operation.

The universal QXD 200 machine will be the focus of attention with regard to modular expansions for PCD machining. Through simple retrofitting or integrating, the QXD 200 can erode and polish PCD face-milling cutters, groove cutters, drill groove cutters and other cutting tools in an oscillating manner according to the automatic touch mechanism on the PCD bit. The process is set up so that the PCD bit is only polished directly behind the cutting edge. This shortens the machining time and lowers production costs. PCD milling tools can thus be produced automatically and without human intervention in uniform quality and in high quantities.

As universal as the QXD 200 is, the ExLevel simulation software also proves that the Vollmer machines can themselves sharpen complex geometries of PCD boring tools precisely to the micron. Even less experienced operators can simulate, measure, erode and grind with sandwich panels or sintering techniques in one combined process with the ExLevel PCD boring tools.

As well as these exciting machine tool innovations, Vollmer will have engineers available at MACH 2012 to discuss its expanded service concept that is now strongly integrated into the machine portfolio. From consultation and financing to start-up and training, maintenance and servicing as well as upgrades and software, Vollmer services cover all phases of the machine lifecycle.