CNC Grinder Expands Automation Features

The 325 linear five-axis CNC grinder from Schütte offers extended X- and Y-axis movement plus two auxiliary slides for workpiece clamping and improved grinding wheel guidance. The additional slide enables the machine to use tool guidance, part support, tailstock or workpiece pallets. X-, Y- and Z-axis travels measure 480 × 250 × 275 mm, and the swiveling C axis for the grinding head offers a 225-degree range of motion. The grinding system is controlled by a Siemens 84D sl CNC with compatible drive technology, and features Schütte Integrated Grinding Software (SIGSpro) as the programming interface. The machine can accommodate micro-tools, gun drills, hob cutters and complex geometries.

The grinder expands automation options with advancements in wheel change and robotic workpiece handling. The A axis can be equipped with collet chucks, hydraulic expansion chucks or multi-range chucks. The automated collet changer enables workpieces with different diameters to be clamped with high concentricity in an unattended loader station. The A-axis configuration also enables position-oriented clamping of non-rotationally symmetrical workpieces. Additional scalable automation features include a 140-position toolchanger, five- to 24-grinding-wheel magazine and flexible robotic tool gripper.