UNITED GRINDING Focuses New Laser System on Diamond Tool Processing
UNITED GRINDING has extended its line of WALTER EWAG technologies for cutting tool production to now include the LASER LINE ULTRA 5-axis machining center that incorporates ultra-short pulse laser technology. With this new tool-machining system, tool makers can efficiently meet increasing demands for high-precision CVD-diamond tooling needed to cut today’s challenging materials such as lightweight carbon fiber (CFRP) and special aluminum alloys.
According to Ted Neckel, director of corporate marketing for UNITED GRINDING North America, EWAG placed high priority on application flexibility, quality and productivity in tool machining when developing the LASER LINE ULTRA. “Cutting hard diamond tooling materials places limits on present-day grinding and eroding technologies. The addition of laser technology to our portfolio gives customers a multitude of new application options.”
The LASER LINE ULTRA production center uses a unique kinematic concept that combines a 5-axis machine kinematic system (X/Y/Z/B/C) with superimposed 3-axis laser beam guidance (U/V/W). The design allows toolmakers to laser machine a tool’s cutting edges as well as laser ablate its complex step chipbreakers in one machine clamping. The ultra-short pulse laser technology directly vaporizes materials without significant heat input and without comprising their integrity.
The machine offers an X/Y/Z travel of 15.74″ x 7.09″ x 5.91″ (400 x 180 x 150 mm) and a high-precision tool holding fixture (C-axis) that can be equipped with mechanical or vacuum clamping systems for plate-shaped tools. The C-axis is also available with a fully automatic HSK63 interface for processing rotary tools with maximum cutting diameters up to 5.91″ (150 mm).
An integrated 6-axis articulated-arm robot with triple gripper head automatically loads the LASER LINE ULTRA for autonomous production. The machine’s robot cell comes standard equipped with two pallets.
The entire LASER LINE ULTRA system only requires 16.4 square feet (5 square meters) of floor space, making it the most compact high-end laser production center available for processing super hard diamond cutting tools.
About United Grinding North America, Inc.:
UNITED GRINDING North America is the subsidiary for the North American market, with two production plants of 5100 sqm space in Miamisburg, Ohio and 5100 sqm in Fredericksburg, VA and over 155 employees around North America. Apart from its production plants in the U.S., it runs an additional sales and service office in Queretaro, MX. UNITED GRINDING North America occupies a leading position in the North American grinding machine tool market by offering innovative products in the technology areas of surface & profile grinding, cylindrical grinding and tool grinding. With a wide range of products, application know how from a single source and a high level of innovation capabilities, the customers enjoy the benefits in terms of efficiency, quality and reliability of its products.
For more information, please visit:
www.grinding.com
Or contact:
info@grinding.com
