At AMB 2018, the international exhibition for metalworking, VOLLMER presents its portfolio under the motto "Shaping Success Together". In addition to its grinding and eroding machines, VOLLMER also presents its digitalisation initiative, which enables the digital exchange of data between machines and opens the door to the world of Industry 4.0. At the VOLLMER Stand C35 in Hall 5, trade fair visitors can see the tool grinding machine VGrind 360 in action, which is used to machine carbide tools. VOLLMER also brings the wire erosion machine VPulse 500, the disc erosion machine QXD 250, as well as various automation solutions, to AMB in Stuttgart.
The Swabian grinding and eroding specialist VOLLMER is also on board when AMB 2018, the international exhibition for metalworking, opens its doors from 18 to 22 September 2018. The trade fair appearance focuses on an IoT concept (Internet of Things), with which VOLLMER has created a framework for new Industry 4.0 technologies. In line with a bottom-up strategy, VOLLMER showcases its current IoT solutions, which make possible the exchange of data between sharpening machines and different Industry 4.0 platforms. VOLLMER developed the IoT gateway for this purpose in order to visualise and process data of VOLLMER machines. VOLLMER offers its customers, such as tool manufacturers and sharpening specialists, a gradual and practical introduction to the topic of Industry 4.0.
Sharpening tools with the VGrind 360
The VOLLMER grinding machine VGrind 360 machines carbide tools such as drills, milling cutters or reamers in one set-up. The machine is available in two versions: One with two vertical spindles for grinding wheel packages, and the other with one grinding wheel spindle and one high-frequency spindle (HF spindle) plus an automatic tool changer. The high-frequency spindle allows the grinding of special pocket areas for PCD plates (polycrystalline diamond). In addition, VOLLMER offers the VGrind 360E as an entry-level model, which is geared towards the specific requirements of service companies and smaller tool manufacturers.
Integrated sticking unit and automation
A wheel sticking unit is also available as an option for the VGrind 360 for the automatic opening of the abrasive coating. This means that grinding residues on the diamond-tipped grinding wheel surface can be removed in order to guarantee the sharpness of the grinding wheel for longer. The tool grinding machine also has the option to automatically change the grinding wheel sets as well as their coolant nozzles.
There is also the HC 4 automation solution for the VGrind 360: It comprises a chain magazine with 39 spaces for standardised HSK 63-A (hollow shank tapers) or it can also optionally hold up to 158 shank workpieces. Users can use the HP 160 pallet magazine to supply up to 900 workpieces for around-the-clock, unmanned machining. The HPR 250 free-arm robot can be used to automatically manufacture carbide tools with various shaft diameters, resulting in three times as much capacity for tool manufacturers.
Precise machining of diamond tools
VOLLMER showcases the VPulse 500 wire erosion machine at AMB for the machining of PCD tools. With its eroding generator and advanced technology, it can manufacture large quantities of high-quality PCD tools. Modern machine kinematics ensure high profile accuracy in both production and maintenance. With the VPulse 500 operating concept, the touchscreen allows you to easily programme and control the tool for quick, error-free work.
The QXD 250 disc erosion machine can also be used to precisely machine a whole variety of PCD tools. Added programme functionality means that tool manufacturers can use the current QXD 250 to speed up their sharpening processes. With the HC 11 pallet circulation magazine, the erosion machine can be expanded by up to 64 workpiece positions. At AMB, VOLLMER will also be presenting new software updates and available software options to increase process reliability, precision and flexibility.
"We use AMB to exchange information and ideas with customers and partners and to work on perfecting the sharpening process for tools", states Dr. Stefan Brand, CEO of the VOLLMER Group. "This year our concepts and technologies for Industry 4.0 and IoT take centre stage at the trade fair. We show how the quality and variety of rotary tools can be increased thanks to networked machines."
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