Vollmer Enters Solid Carbide Tools Manufacturing/Sharpening Arena with VGrind 160

Vollmer, best known for its saw sharpening and PCD tool processing machinery, has entered the solid carbide tools manufacturing/sharpening arena with its new VGrind 160, a machine that exhibits a "first" in this area.

"With the VGrind 160, we are establishing ourselves in the international tool grinding market for the first time," explains Dr Stefan Brand, managing director of the Vollmer Group, adding. "For us, this is a logical and consistent step in order to develop our core competency in sharpening, and to further strengthen Vollmer's international position as a comprehensive solutions provider for tool production." 

The 5-axis VGrind 160 can produce solid carbide drills and milling cutters having diameters of from 2 to 20 mm. 

Vollmer has approached the process from a radically new technological point of view. In what is a first for machine tools of this type, the new VGrind 160 uses horizontal grinding spindles set one above the other. This innovative approach enables tool manufacturers to produce large numbers of solid carbide milling cutters and drills quickly and precisely, says the company. 

At the core of the VGrind 160 is this new kinematics system, centred on the two grinding spindles and the C-axis that rotate them. Unlike single-spindle or horizontal double-spindle machines, so-called multi-level machining can be carried out, thanks to this arrangement. In addition, this spindle set-up solves the common problems related to fixed and floating bearings, so giving more precise results, Vollmer claims. 

This is because a workpiece is only ever machined using the fixed bearing side of a grinding wheel set. Furthermore, the grinding wheel set is always located at the C-axis pivot point, with this allowing accurate sharpening "beyond the realms of anything previously experienced". A further guarantee for precision and accuracy is the polymer concrete design of the machine. 

Reduced machining times are possible, thanks to short linear axis travel distances and swivel ranges, while non-productive times are shortened, because different wheel sets can be loaded to each grinding spindle. 

An optional tool magazine with six grinding wheel packs supports automatic wheel change, while a pallet magazine for up to 550 workpieces, as well as further automation solutions, ensures highest productivity, around the clock. 

Vollmer uses NUM's NUMROTOplus software, with this offering comprehensive applications for the production and re-sharpening of various tools. The software from Switzerland-headquartered NUM is used by more than 40 different types of machine from 15 manufacturers in 50 countries.