The arrival of the VHybrid 360 allows tool manufacturers to grind and erode carbide and PCD tools like drills, milling cutters or reamers in one combined set-up. The machine is based on multi-layer machining which is implemented through two vertically arranged spindles.
Here, Vollmer is using the tried-and-tested technology of its VGrind grinding machine series. With the 360, the bottom spindle can be used for both grinding and eroding, while the top spindle is reserved exclusively for grinding.
With the VHybrid 360, Vollmer has not only combined the best of both worlds for grinding and eroding, but it has also further developed proven technologies. From the world of erosion, the company has incorporated knowledge gained through more than three decades of working with wire erosion and wheel erosion machines from different model series’.
The key component is the VPulse EDM erosion generator which sets high standards when it comes to efficiency and surface quality. With grinding, the modern machine concept of the VGrind series ensures high precision machining with both spindles of the VHybrid 360 vertically arranged at the pivot point of the C-axis which guarantees high profile accuracy and enables exact grinding and eroding processes.
In addition, tool machining times can be reduced through the shorter linear-axis travel distances that are credit to the spindle arrangement.
The 360 can be used to produce different cutting tool types giving tool manufacturers the flexibility to perform fully-fledged grinding and eroding processes on standard and special tools – regardless of whether the blanks are made of carbide, sintered PCD or brazed diamond tips.
The machine can be used for tools with diameters of up to 50mm and lengths of up to 360mm. Depending on the configuration of the grinding wheels or rotary electrodes, larger diameters are also possible. An optionally available steady rest ensures stability for long tools and a new 5-axis control guarantees precise execution of the grinding and eroding processes.
A range of automation solutions enable unmanned machining around the clock – for example, the HC4 chain magazine can hold up to 39 HSK 63A toolholders. In addition, up to eight grinding and eroding wheels including coolant supply can be exchanged fully automatically – in a process managed in the VHybrid 360.
This is available for the first time in the newly developed Vollmer tool manager. With this, machine operators can select the grinding and electrode sets intuitively and easily using a drag and drop option.
The combined grinding and erosion machine is based on the established Vollmer control panel concept with a height adjustable and pivoting touchscreen. The processes are programmed, simulated and monitored via the ExLevel PRO 3D software and the axes can be selected and moved with the multifunction handwheel.
In addition, the machine has a dressing device for rotary electrodes and an integrated wheel probe for the precise calibration of the grinding and eroding wheel packages in the process.
"Tool manufacturers today are often development partners for their customers and are involved in the tool planning phase from the outset in order to achieve efficient machining of a wide range of materials," says Dr Stefan Brand, CEO of the Vollmer Group.
“And whether carbide or diamond tools are required, the hybrid machining technologies in our VHybrid 360 enable precise machining of a variety of rotary tools, such as drills, milling cutters or reamers."
Vollmer www.vollmer-group.com
