Jones & Shipman’s next generation UltraGrind CNC cylindrical grinding machine features a modular wheelhead design with multiple wheel spindles to increase power, accuracy and component weight handling. The modular machine is suited for high-volume and high-precision machining in aerospace, automotive and sub-contract applications, including biomedical, high-end process tool/die sets and motorsport engineering.
Built on a one-piece bed design, the machine is said to feature high rigidity, stability and stock removal. It incorporates mechanical, electrical and software features designed for easier operation and change-over in demanding production environments. The modular wheelhead design enables external and internal grinding spindle combinations. The machine can accommodate wheels ranging to 20" in diameter and 4" thick, and it also features 20-hp spindles.
A high-precision, 1-degree Hirth coupling ensures angular wheelhead positional accuracy and repeatability. An optional B axis is programmable to 0.001 degree, and a high-accuracy encoder is mounted directly to the rotational spindle axis for infinitely variable positional resolution. The machine features 25" or 40" between centers and center heights of 7", 8" and 10". The machine can accommodate components weighing as much as 1,000 lbs as well as odd-shaped components that can cause high rotational inertia.
The company’s custom Windows-based graphical programming software suite eliminates the need for operators to input code. However, ISO programming is fully supported and codes can be both viewed and used, the company says. The software is built around a Fanuc 320i touchscreen control system to reduce time required for operator training, machine setup and change-overs.
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