Grinding and automation options at AMB 2022

By Bhalchandra Chorghade, Editor, CNCTimes.com

At AMB Stuttgart, cylindrical grinding machine builder Studer will feature two machines with automated loading systems, the S131 and S33.

The S131 is a latest generation CNC universal internal cylindrical grinding machine. The swing diameter above the workpiece table is 250mm and the maximum workpiece length (including clamping device) is 300mm.

This compact machine demonstrates its benefits with flange parts and smaller workpieces of all types. It has a host of sophisticated technical features such as the StuderGuide guideway system, high-precision axis drives with linear motors, extremely fast direct drive of the grinding spindle turret, and automatic swivelling of the workpiece table amongst others.

On the stand at AMB, Studer agent ILG & Sulzberger will have the S131 grinder linked to the Studer roboLoad system.

The roboLoad, is an external loader that with a width of 1.5m only half as wide as the machine itself ensuring a minimal footprint. The system offers plenty of room for workpieces on six trays, each measuring 1,080 x 320mm which can be loaded manually for unmanned/lights out operation. Any grinding program can be called up for the workpieces. After processing, roboLoad places each workpiece back in the same place after machining.

A key benefit of the roboLoad is simplicity of operation. The setup wizard developed by the automation specialist Wenger doesn’t require any programming knowledge from the setter or machine operator. The set-up steps are graphically represented on a 19'' large, intuitive display which enables set-up for a new workpiece including the changeover of gripping jaws to be achieved in 15 minutes.

The S33 CNC universal cylindrical grinding machine with distances between centres of 400, 650, 1,000 and 1,600mm and a centre height of 175mm, can be used for grinding small, medium-sized and large workpieces up to 150kg in individual, small batch and high-volume production.

The S33 is based on the Studer T-slide concept. It now has an extended X-axis stroke of 370mm and Studer offers a number of wheelhead variants. The turret wheelhead can take up to two external and one internal grinding spindle and enables automatic swivelling with a 1° Hirth coupling.

It is also equipped with the latest generation of gap control. The external wheelhead with a wheel on the right can be set to 0°, 15° and 30°. Setup and changeover costs can be reduced thanks to the turret wheelhead with several grinding wheels and rapid setup with the Quick-Set software.

Internal, external and surface grinding in a single clamping is a simple task for the S33 and leads to even higher efficiency in complete machining operations. Grinding of forms and threads is made possible by the C-axis with an indirect or direct measuring system. The S33 can also be equipped with a chuck workhead for grinding chuck components.

At AMB the S33 will be linked to Studer’s uniLoad system which features the same programming simplicity developed by Wenger for Studer’s roboLoad.

No programming skills are required. The user only needs to know the dimension and weight of the workpiece in order to use the loading system. The set-up wizard then guides the user conveniently through the necessary steps to start the grinding program.

UniLoad is offered on the basis of a linear portal cell with two parallel grippers and is suitable for shaft components up to a length of 350mm and a maximum diameter of 100mm. This covers a large proportion of the component ranges produced on these machines. The parts are supplied via a standardised, adjustable V-belt. The housing for the base module, which is provided with a loading hatch as standard, has been adapted to suit the machine design and enables safe and clean operation of the system.

UniLoad is currently suitable for distances between centres of 650 and 1,000mm. The loading system is docked onto the machine and with the racks at full capacity enables automated processing of around one hour. In the case of workpieces with an external diameter of 34mm and a gripper diameter of 22mm, 50 parts can be loaded automatically.

https://www.studer.com/en/

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