Grinder Upgrades Enhance Connectivity, Rigidity, Efficiency

Glebar has made several enhancements to its GT-610 in-feed/through-feed centerless grinders and DD-7 double-disc machines. Applications include aerospace fasteners, automotive transmission components, engine parts and valve stems, spools, arthroscopic shavers, bone drill blanks, medical parts and more. Improvements to both machines focus on connectivity, safety and rigidity, and optimized wheel dressing.

The machines are now equipped with brushless servo motors instead of stepper motors for quickly and precisely moving slides. A servo-driven, close-looped drive offers the operator a high degree of control over the parts being ground, the company says. This upgrade will eliminate hydraulics by motorizing all the axes, including dressers.

To simplify remote troubleshooting, maintenance and I/O management, the machines are equipped with distributed I/O via EtherCAT, an industrial Ethernet technology that’s said to combine high speed with nanosecond synchronization accuracy. With this technology in place, the machines will also begin implementing MTConnect for factory and mobile connectivity.

Previously offered only on cast iron beds, the GT-610 and DD-7 are now available on granite beds for reduced vibration and thermal stability. The company can also install an enclosure with mist collection protecting the operator from debris and misting, promoting a clean and safe work environment. The GT-610 can also be put on a 5,000-lb mineral cast base designed for vibration dampening and high rigidity and thermal properties.

The machines now feature 10" touchscreen human-machine interfaces (HMIs) with Windows for efficient, flexible and intuitive setup. Software layout and access rights can be customized.