Grinding Journal - Fall 2007 - (Page 23)

turbine part where perhaps .500" of material must be removed – creep feed or CFCD grinding would probably be a better choice. Plated CBN process offers ability to create complex radial forms and the flexibility to machine multiple features in one set up. of each process or abrasive can be applied to specific materials and part geometries. Multi-tasking: Combining all the best This multi-faceted grinding approach is excellent for complex parts with features that demand different The same machine investment considerations involved grinding processes and abrasives. Such machines in vitrified CBN applications hold true for plated can even automate part loading and finishing in one CBN processes. Plated wheels, however, do offer clamping. An example of such a machine is the more flexibility, because they can be used on a variety Mägerle MFP-50 9-axis CNC grinding machine with of equipment, including milling machines as well as a double axis CNC overhead dresser. It permits dedicated grinders. Cost-per-part is also reasonable, continuous dress, creep feed grinding and conventional because the wheels can be re-plated. When used on a grinding with ceramic, vitrified CBN and electroplated 5-axis machine, plated CBN wheels require no wheel CBN wheels, all on the same machine. With integrated guard, providing the flexibility to grind all the way pallet systems, tool changer, and CNC coolant nozzles, around a part. From an environmental standpoint, it can run automatically and adjust itself to handle the oil coolant required for the most effective use of different parts. plated CBN abrasives poses disposal problems and possible This multi-faceted grinding Linear motor drives represent fire hazards. From a partapproach is excellent for another machine-tool tolerance point of view, the technology being developed complex parts with features largest limitation of plated for grinding. Linear motors that demand different grinding have been employed in milling CBN wheels is the difficulty of maintaining quality and processes and abrasives. Such and EDM machines for more controlling the process than 15 years. The process is machines can even automate because tool pressure and very fast, offering advantages part loading and finishing in heat generation increase as similar to those of high-speed the wheels wear during use. one clamping. milling, where high speed Workholding considerations metal removal causes the are similar to vitrified CBN heat generated by cutting to be carried away in the wheels. chip. The light cuts and high speeds benefit wheel Ongoing development combines grinding technologies consumption by lowering cutting forces and reducing the heat generated. Reduced use of coolant and increased productivity also result. An example of such a machine is the Blohm Prokos 5-axis grinder that employs linear motors for three of the axes. It incorporates a tool changer, CNC coolant nozzle, and an advanced diamond dressing system for multi-axis part grinding. There’s no really easy solution to grinding superalloys. It depends on all the variables in your particular situation. By working closely with the wheel, the dressing, and the machine system there is a solution that will optimize productivity in your particular application. INFO grinding.com Larry Marchand • 937.847.1227 larry.marchand@grinding.com Beyond the familiar technologies we’ve discussed, grinding industry suppliers are continually developing new tools and methods to further improve productivity. Machine manufacturers offer equipment that can enable a shop to combine a variety of grinding methods. As noted earlier, each grinding process offers one or two capabilities that make it excel in certain applications. Modern grinding machines with tool changing systems, integrated dressing systems and CNC coolant nozzle positioning can now mix abrasives to employ the optimum tool for each part feature. One machine can perform conventional creep feed and CFCD, apply vitrified or plated abrasives, and even carry out other operations like milling. The advantages Grinding Journal 23 http://www.grinding.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Grinding Journal - Fall 2007

Grinding Journal - Fall 2007 Contents From Virginia: Apparently no credit crunch for machine tools Why measure cutting tools Other perspectives on CNC tool measuring Productive grinding of superalloys SUPER service grinding BIG rolls Problem Solver

Grinding Journal - Fall 2007

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