CNC Grinder Features Modular Wheelhead Design

Built on a one-piece bed design, the next generation UltraGrind CNC cylindrical grinding machine from Jones & Shipman features a modular wheelhead design that not only offers multiple wheel spindles, but also more power, more accuracy and increased component weight handling. The machine is also said to be highly modular in configuration. It is designed for precision production environments such as aerospace facilities; higher-volume automotive manufacturers; and sub-contract machining of biomedical components, high-end process tool/die sets and motorsport engineering.

A modular wheelhead design provides external and internal grinding spindle combinations. Wheel sizes range in diameter to 20" × 4" and wheel spindle power ranges to 20 hp, with rigid spindles providing increased metal removal rates and increased productivity.

Angular wheelhead positional accuracy and repeatability are assured via a high-precision, 1-degree Hirth coupling. An optional true B axis, programmable to 0.001 degree, utilizes feedback from a high accuracy encoder mounted directly to the rotational spindle axis. The machine offers 25" or 40" between centers and center heights of 7", 8" and 10". The 20" diameter capacity can accommodate larger-mass components ranging to 1,000 lbs and odd-shaped components, which can result in high rotational inertia.

The machine uses a proprietary Windows-based graphical programming software suite that eliminates the need to input code. ISO programming is, however, fully supported, and codes can be easily viewed and used if that is the user’s preference, the company says. The company adds that building the user-friendly software around a Fanuc 320i with touchscreen control system reduces the time needed for operator training, machining setup and change-over.