ANCA has upgraded the FX5 Linear two-wheel pack machine with a grinding spindle rated at 12 kW peak power, and has released a further high-powered spindle option of 19 kW.
"CNC tool grinders strive to achieve the shortest possible cycle times to keep the cost per tool produced at a minimum," said a company spokesperson. "Machine performance and grinding cycle time are linked to the power capabilities of the grinding spindle."
The spokesperson continued, "To maximize material removal rate, a commonly accepted industry practice is limiting the spindle load to between 30% and 40% for fluting operations. If the spindle load is likely to exceed 40%, tool manufacturers tend to allow for a second fluting pass as this contributes to longer wheel life and less wheel load. Auto white-sticking becomes an important option as batch sizes increase."
ANCA has conducted a spindle load analysis of fluting operations, identifying how many passes are recommended in relation to spindle load. The analysis compares two flute endmills ground with either 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm or 12 mm diameters. The FX5, which has now been upgraded from 9.5 kW to a 12 kW spindle, can comfortably grind tools up to 10 mm diameter in a single pass. A 12 mm tool required a second grinding pass to keep the spindle load at 40%, rather than increasing to 60%.
"This is where the new high-powered 19 kW spindle option makes all the difference," said the spokesperson. "The 12 mm endmill was ground at a 40% spindle load in one pass, with an overall time saving of one minute and four seconds as opposed to two passes at 12 kW."
Match "One Pass Productivity" to Tool Diameter
The FX5 with the 12 kW spindle increases productivity up to a diameter of 10 mm. At 19 kW, the new spindle option can enhance productivity further for tools up to 12 mm and above. The high-powered spindle option on FX5 matches the grinding spindle fitted to the FX7 machine with six-wheel packs, which is suited for the industrial environment.
"For complex cutting tools, there can be of course further factors that influence actual grind cycles besides the tool geometry," said the spokesperson. "These include the quality of the grinding wheel used and the adequate supply of cooling liquid at stable temperature to avoid thermal damage of the workpiece. As batch sizes increase, auto white-sticking helps to achieve maximum output by frequently refreshing the wheel."
For more information contact:
ANCA Inc.
31129 Century Drive
Wixom, MI 48393
248-926-4466
usainfo@anca.com
www.anca.com