Future-oriented Finishing and Grinding

A trendsetting innovation within surface superfinish and geometry improvement will be introduced at the EMO trade fair in Hanover/Germany by Thielenhaus Microfinish: Following the exhibition theme “Connecting systems for intelligent production“ the market leader within high precision machine tools has developed the first self-regulating flat finish machine based on the well proved and flexible platform MicroStar. Thielenhaus describes it as a „perfect symbiosis of productivity and variance“. The 8-station-machine for combination machining is not only meant to meet the drawing specifications of high precision workpieces 100% but also to shorten the process chain generating substantial cost reductions. Especially with constantly changing workpiece types the extremely shortened change-over times increase the output considerably. Last but not least the self-monitoring function of the machine reduces metrology capacity and relieves the operator significantly.

The fastest bearing microfinish in the world
The machine tool manufacturer from Wuppertal presents in Hanover the KM 90 NC, a high-performance microfinish machine for inner and outer ring microfinish of single and double row bearings, based on a solution proven over many years. This machine incorporates the latest technologies like direct drive for the oscillation unit and double oscillation HyperFinish with superimposed high frequency oscillation and low stroke. The sensational floor-to-floor time of 3.5 seconds for a deep groove ball bearing inner and outer ring, type 625 can be achieved by a direct link to a grinding machine. The set-up time between two pass parts could be reduced to less than 20 minutes. This high-speed gadget for mass production can be changed over flexibly from radial bearing to axial bearing and from ball bearing to roller bearing microfinish. The menu-guided and image-guided programming and operation facilitates the handling of the machine. The life cycle of the machine is increased and the tooling costs are reduced by the innovative wear compensation of the workpiece driver. The fact that set-up steps can be timed shows that Thielenhaus has been developing according to Industry Standard 4.0. The low machine footprint 2,063 x 1,026 mm encompasses the integrated electrical cabinet and can thus be set up in limited production space.

Double disc grinding newly defined
Thielenhaus Microfinish presents a particularly economic and compact machine solution for mass production of flat high-precision parts: The double disc grinding machine features high precision and economic efficiency, operator convenience and compactness. With the design Thielenhaus strictly avoided any expensive extras not necessary for achieving the target. Precision was the paramount goal: Thus importance was attached to a high rigidity achieved by a closed box frame instead of a C frame, forged tool spindles instead of turned ones, sensibly positioned spindle tilting units and double walled frames ensuring temperature resistance. One further important feature is the operator friendliness: One unique patented swiveling transport disc panel allows the operator to exchange the grinding discs a few seconds after their standstill through large openings in the front.

The new benchmark with crankshaft finish
The CrankStar HP, a new line of tape microfinish machines for superfinishing crankshafts with smallest bearing distances is Thielenhaus‘ answer to the needs of many engine manufacturers for a flexible machine solution. This machine, developed by the global market and innovation leader, can also be used for smaller crankshafts. For the first time crankshafts with a spacing of 33 mm can be microfinshed in a safe and economical process – thanks to the particularly slim microfinishing units featuring an extremely extensive opening angle. Such crankshafts are vital for the new increasingly compact engines demanding higher and higher efficiency. Furthermore, the machine can be used for microfinishing all kinds of crankshafts made of cast iron or steel with a distance between centres of 500 mm through 800 mm and a maximum swing diameter of 210 mm as well as a stroke of up to 100 mm in one or several steps. Apart from the usual surfaces like mains, pins and flanges this machine can also microfinish front journals and deburr the flange bores at the same time. A particular highlight is the optional separate loading system allowing for a loading/unloading during microfinish through an external gantry resulting in cycle time reductions of up to 17 seconds.

Compact microfinish
More and more small component suppliers see the need for surface and geometry improving superfinish. Many have to be able to adhere to the tightest tolerances regarding dimension and form. A special solution for these applications or for smaller batches will be presented in Hanover by the Swiss Thielenhaus Superfinish Innovation, i.e. the further improved attachments for carrier machines. So it is possible to apply the advantages of the microfinishing process on the present turning, grinding or milling machines for improving the surface, roughness, waviness and load bearing capacity of the workpieces in a safe process. Surfaces to be microfinished may be plane surfaces, flanges and skirts, outer or inner rotationally symmetric surfaces as well as excenters, cams and cam disks. The range of surfaces is even wider up to spherical surfaces like balls, radii and undercuts.

How to find Thielenhaus at EMO 2017 trade fair:
You’ll find Thielenhaus at booth D15 in hall 11