Star Cutter Co. Boosts Tool Grinder Feature Customizability
IMTS 2024: Star Cutter Co. introduces the flexible FLX tool grinder for unattended machining in a compact footprint.
Star Cutter Co. unveils the FLX tool grinder. This five-axis grinder offers high-efficiency carbide cutting tool manufacturing within a compact footprint. It has been designed with a focus on flexibility, enabling users to modify features to match their grinding needs. For unattended machining, FLX features a range of automation capability, producing large numbers of parts continuously.
The machine flexibility is designed with adjustable features that enable personalized setup to ensure operator comfort. With a grind zone of up to 203 mm in length and 19.05 mm in diameter, the FLX can accommodate a wide variety of cutting tool sizes. This includes up to 15 wheel changing stations with wheels of up to 6" in diameter, as well as a NUM control platform by Flexium Pro CNC, which streamlines operations.
Additionally, the machine can be equipped with modular automation for field implementation and to account for part quantity and wheel changing. Using waterfall programming, FLX can produce up to 1,105 tools (3-7 mm diameters) before unloading.
According to the company, FLX is designed to be precise and accurate in both controlled and uncontrolled climate conditions, giving it broad application across industry, even in harsh environments. It is said to feature reduced warmup time, elimination of redundant chiller systems and 35mm linear carriages for durable machine movement and longevity.
The FLX has a footprint of 72" W×55" D (94.5" D with the automation model), and a height of 73.3". Machines weigh 7,000 lbs (9,000 lbs with automation). Other options include a bolt-on tooling rail with T-slot construction, runout minimizer and a two-wheel changer (for non-automated machines).
In addition to the new FLX grinder, other Star Cutter products featured include:
- Tru Tech T93X centerless grinder
- Louis Belet Swiss cutting tools
- Round tools: solid carbide drills and reamers, deep-hole drilling solutions, PCD and 3D printed tooling
- Gear cutting tools: hobs, shapers, scudding, skiving cutters and more
- Carbide blanks and preforms.
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