New smaller machine for Grob G-series

With the newly developed G150, German machine tool builder, Grob has added to the lower end of its universal machining centre range. The company presented the new machine at its virtual open house which was held in early October.

For complex components which demand the highest standards, the development of the G150 placed particular emphasis on spatial accuracy to achieve excellent surface finishes and positional tolerances. The company says this improvement is thanks to new ‘ground-breaking’ calibration technology, an innovative cooling system and high dynamic axis configuration stability.

Grob claims no compromises have been made when it comes to the combination of ergonomics and automation. The G150 is ideally targeted at precision engineering in the medical technology, tool and mould, mechanical engineering and aerospace sectors.

The static accuracy of the G150 has been improved by an innovative set-up method which results in higher levels of mechanical accuracy. Thermal stability is achieved through active cooling of all the machine’s relevant components, a system that has been refined by Grob over many years.

The machine’s dynamic accuracy is important for simultaneous 5-axis machining. Both the speed as well as the accuracy have been improved by consistently integrating the drive simulation into the development process from the beginning.

The machine's warm-up cycle is now individually adapted to every machining situation. The G150 detects when production can be started and when to end the warm-up cycle autonomously based on the geometry parameters.

If recalibration is required, calibration software detects the issue and notifies the operator accordingly. In combination with a pallet storage system, calibration can even be initiated automatically.

An important element of the G-Series success is the combination of ergonomics suited to a workshop environment and optimum automation capabilities. The G150 is suitable for both a job shop environments, as well as for series production. In combination with a pallet storage system, the machine can be used for prototypes during an early shift and then for series production at night, for example.

New additions to the modular system options are an HSK E40 spindle with up to 42,000rpm and a compact table with central clamping. This makes the G150 model particularly attractive for application areas such as medical components, with smaller parts and smaller cutting tools.

As with the G350, G550 and G750 universal machining centres, the G150 shares Grob’s long established axis configuration. The horizontal spindle ensures that swarf cannot hinder production. Excellent milling control and low tool wear are obtained on the spindle side; this is why the Z-guides are closer to the part than in any other model for this series of machine which guarantees excellent metalcutting performance completely independent of the Z-axis position.

Grob www.grobgroup.com