Sunnen Presents Vertical Honing Systems for Increased Process Control

Sunnen Products Co. showcases the SV-3000 series vertical honing systems. The SV-3000 features a Beckhoff-based industrial control with proprietary Sunnen2 software, designed to include EtherCAT industrial communication for fast response time and increased process control.

The control system includes a large touch screen and capacity to program custom part load/unload operations, which can eliminate the need for a second control for automation. Through the touchscreen, operators can make simple, intuitive adjustments of spindle speed, stroke rate and tool feed during the honing cycle. Tool selection, setup mode, handling, expansion/retraction of tools and more are all adjusted via the touchscreen. A handwheel can also be used for stroke adjustment.

The SV-3000 series incorporates synchronized servo stroke and spindle motors that can enable constant crosshatch finishes the length of the bore.  This is said to eliminate the "flattening" of the crosshatch angle at stroke-reversal points, which is important in many cylinder wall applications where optimal piston ring sealing and performance is required. The drive technology also includes a load-sensing feed system designed to maximize productivity and produce 0.00025 mm (0.000010″) tolerances on a wide range of small-diameter parts.

According to the company, the software for these next generation hones has been completely re-written using the latest programming languages and technologies. The control is intended for the quick training of new operators to process complex or difficult-to-hone parts, and to reduce setup times.

In addition to a custom exterior appearance, the latest ergonomic and safety features are said to be incorporated. Guarding is designed to provide access to critical areas for machine maintenance, while a rear-mounted electrical enclosure and removable side panels can enable improved access to the spindle and column from all sides. A centrally mounted operator station can be positioned to suit the operator’s preference and/or shopfloor space.

The latest SV-3000 uses OPC, a widely accepted industrial communication standard that enables the exchange of data between multi-vendor devices and control applications without any proprietary restrictions, which can result in real-time remote process monitoring.