Five-Axis CNC Grinder Features Extended X-, Y-Axis Paths

Schütte’s 325linear five-axis CNC grinder features extended X- and Y-axis movement plus two auxiliary slides for workpiece clamping designed for improved grinding wheel guidance over the entire machining envelope. The second auxiliary slide enables use of tool guidance, part support, tailstock or workpiece pallets in operation. The machine typically operates in the range of 2,500 to 4,000 rpm, accommodating micro tools, gun drills, hob cutters and complex geometries.

The grinder’s universal rotation A axis offers a high level of concentricity with less than 0.0001-degree resolution and pitch accuracy, while the resolution is less than 0.1 microns on the X, Y and Z axes. The swiveling C axis for the grinding head has a 225-degree range of motion with less than 0.0001-degree resolution accuracy. With the automated collet changer, workpieces with different diameters can be clamped with high concentricity in the unattended loader station. The A-axis configuration enables position-oriented clamping of non-rotationally symmetrical workpieces.

The primary motor spindle operates as fast as 12,000 rpm with a 15-kW maximum drive output, while the grinding spindle option supports a maximum speed of 24,000 rpm. Linear axis travels in the X, Y and Z axes measure 480 × 250 × 275 mm, respectively.

Preset distances from the grinding wheel to the workpiece can be defined and held constant when support and tool guidance systems are used. In 3D mode, all cycle steps can be simulated, controlled and optimized for exact estimating, collision avoidance and external workstation integration with other workpieces.