Koichi "Ken" Iwakura (center, holding award) is President of Mitsui Seiki Kogyo Co., Ltd., Japan.
Mitsui Seiki has developed a universal vertical thread grinder designed to provide benefits for customers making precision lead screw type parts.
"There has been a long trend of switching over from hydraulic to electrical power actuation in a variety of important industries such as automotive, aerospace and robotics," said Tom Dolan, Vice President of Mitsui Seiki USA, Inc. "As such, lead and feed screw actuators for electrical power steering, flight control actuators and automation systems are in increased demand. Along with these market drivers, highly accurate and efficient machining methods for various screws, such as ballscrews, have also been on the rise. Typically, thread grinders have been made the same way for the last 50 years. This new technology changes everything."
"Addressing these market forces, Mitsui Seiki developed a completely new, industry-first universal thread grinder design configuration," said a company spokesperson. "It offers improved accuracy, speed, performance and multi-functionality over conventional horizontal thread grinder designs."
The VGE60A is categorized as a universal machine because different grinding operations can be performed. In addition to thread grinding, the machine can now perform spline, gear, O.D., surface and edge grinding operations in a single set-up. "This can save customers significant production time while improving overall part accuracy," said the spokesperson. "Newly designed features, such as an automatic grinding wheel changer, automatic wheel guard and a CNC-controlled wheel dresser (to accommodate various shaped wheels) vastly improve productivity. Infinitely programmable grinding wheel tilt angles from +45° to -90° provide increased grinding application opportunities. The vertical orientation of the work enhances overall precision. Elimination of workpiece sag is the principle contributor to increased precision.
"The new vertical configuration requires 33% less floor space than a similar capacity horizontal grinder, and allows for improved human interface with the complete work zone. The VGE60A accommodates a maximum grinding length of 600 mm and an overall shaft size of 80 mm diameter (with the largest diameter wheel) and 700 mm long. The machine is compatible with both oil and water-based coolants."
The VGE60A High Precision recently won the grand prize in Japan's 43rd Machine Design Awards competition. The award ceremony, sponsored by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade & Industry, was held on July 25, 2013.
For more information contact:
Scott Walker, President
Mitsui Seiki USA, Inc.
563 Commerce Street
Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417
201-337-1300
www.mitsuiseiki.com