"In virtually all technical fields, the requirements placed on the quality of individual components are increasing," said a Thielenhaus Microfinish spokesperson. "As a result, surface-improving and geometry-improving superfinishing techniques are becoming more important. Today, even smaller suppliers must be capable of working to the finest tolerances in dimensional accuracy. Thielenhaus Microfinish offers a range of attachments for base machines for these applications and for small batch sizes. With these solutions, Microfinish technique advantages can also be realized using conventional turning, grinding and milling machines, meaning that the surface, roughness, waviness and contact ratio of the components being worked on can be improved in a reliable manner."
All of the attachments consist principally of an electric drive unit for high short-stroke movements and an oscillating tape or stone tool. The workpieces are held in the base machines between centers, or, if no centering bore is present, tensioned from one side with a chuck or a collet. During machining, they are set in rotation, with the oscillating stone or tape tool pressed onto the workpiece pneumatically or using spring tension. The removal, which is performed in a sine wave form due to the oscillation, removes the "soft layer" generated during the hard turning or grinding process, improving the roughness and contact ratio. Using this process, surface roughness of Ra 0.01 µm with rolls and Ra 0.3 µm with bearing positions can be achieved. At the same time, the surface can be given a structure with defined criss-crossing grooves to improve its tribological properties.
The devices are high-performance units geared towards three-shift operation. They are principally used for geometrical improvements in roundness, evenness and cylindrical forms. Surfaces can also be smoothed to a mirror finish and definable levels of roughness can be produced. The residual compressive stress can also be raised in order to make the surface more wear-resistant. As well as chamfering edges and smoothing joints, the attachments can be used to achieve visual, cosmetic surface textures.
"Microfinish attachments are particularly suited to the small batch sizes typically found in the production of hydraulics rods, components, sealing seats and shaft sleeves," said the spokesperson. "However, larger individual workpieces such as calender rolls, cold rolls, Sendzimir rolls and printing rolls can be worked to a mirror finish. Foil manufacturers, for example, require mirror-finish surfaces; the printing industry needs precisely defined printing rolls in order to guarantee precise colour distribution, and hydraulics/pneumatics manufacturers need finely structured surfaces with a large contact ratio and twist-free sealing surfaces. Microfinish attachments are ideal for use wherever precisely defined and structured surfaces are required for small batch sizes."
Since the attachments can be used with many different base machines and special equipment, the workpieces are not dimensionally limited. Their form can be that of a flat surface, start-up shelves, external or internal rotationally symmetrical surfaces, as well as excenters, cams or cam discs. Further uses include those involving spherical surfaces, such as radii and undercuts.
For more information contact:
Thielenhaus Microfinish
42925 W. Nine Mile Rd.
Novi, MI 48375
248-349-9450
sales@thielenhaus.us
www.thielenhaus.us