Five-Axis Profile Grinder for Aerospace Applications

United Grinding’s Blohm Aeromat profile grinder is well-suited for flexible, high-performance grinding applications. The machine is designed as a five-axis production system specifically for the aerospace market.

A 33.5-hp direct-drive spindle and integrated disk dresser enable grinding of complex workpieces. The 3D gantry and 14,000-lb mineral casting base provide thermal stability and damp vibration for consistent quality and surface finish. Direct glass scale feedback and no ballscrew in the linear system enables smooth and accurate positioning with 0.000004" resolution, the company says. Rapid traverse rates are 1,181 ipm in the X, Y and Z axes. The rotary A- and C-axes feature gearless drive systems designed to minimize backlash and chatter.

The grinder’s 12-position tool and nozzle changer features 6" OD wheels and a HSK-50 taper system, and is said to accommodate all abrasive types and milling and drilling tools. The machine also features a motorized diamond dresser and an in-process inspection system for process verification. It is equipped with a FANUC 310i machine control, available with options including a Pentium M processor, 15" color monitor, multiple USB ports, Windows XP Professional and an Ethernet interface.