The workpiece unit is mounted vertically and easily accessible for fast changeover. Thanks to the integrated tool changer with a capacity for up to ten tools, even complex machining processes can be carried out in only one clamping process.
The trial machine is based on one that was previously used for the manufacturer’s subcontracting work. It is also equipped with QuattroClean CO2 snow-jet technology, which enables the workpieces to be cleaned using an environmentally friendly, dry and residue-free method. After cleaning, the machined component is subjected to a scattered light measurement procedure that allows, e.g., the shape or the gloss value to be precisely determined. If a measurement value is not yet satisfactory, the component can then be put through another machining step in the same clamping procedure.
Workpieces with diameters of up to 75 mm can be machined on the Sphero. The machine’s construction is highly space-saving and is characterised by a modern, compact and ergonomic design. It is used for example in the automotive industry for machining the joint heads of wheel suspension and steering components that require a high level of freedom and movement for the associated assembly units. Metallically-sealing valve balls and seating rings for valves in the chemical industry, through which aggressive or very hot media travel, are able to be machined with a high degree of dimensional and surface accuracy. Another instance is the axial piston pump found in all fields of hydraulics: It has a spherical sliding surface at the end, and the dimensions of this component must be accurate to 1 µm or less in order to guarantee safe operation at great strain – such as in aviation.
This machining concept enables machining of surface topography, spherical roundness, spherical diameter and sealing surfaces. Furthermore, defined contact rations that fulfil tribological requirements are possible. In just a few installation steps that take only a very short time, the operator can convert the machine from outer machining to inner machining, i.e., from a sphere to a sealing ring or a socket. Operator influence is reduced to a minimum and errors due to repeated handling and clamping are ruled out, since the workpiece remains in the clamp until it is completely finished. This drastically increases process reproducibility.
Since this machining solution allows the implementation of several tool qualities, the machining process can, for example, be broken down into roughening and smoothing, fine finishing and polishing. The tool change takes place in just a few seconds with the added benefit that the workpiece stays in the clamp. Since the process takes place on a self-correcting basis, truing cycles are done away with. This means that better end results can be achieved with short cycle times. Thanks to the MicroSens capacitive sensor with workpiece contact detection, the machine monitors the stipulated parameters itself on an ongoing basis and makes any necessary adjustments. The integrated measurement and cleaning process ensures that the workpiece is quality-controlled prior to being unclamped.
More information can be found at: Thielenhaus Technologies GmbH, PO Box 201855, 42218 Wuppertal, Germany, Telephone + 49 (0)2 02 481-0, Fax + 49 (0)2 02 45 04 45, or at www.thielenhaus.com
Thielenhaus Microfinish
Thielenhaus Microfinish, a division of the German Thielenhaus Technologies GmbH, has been building high-precision, high-productivity machine tools for over 100 years. In the last 70 years, Thielenhaus Microfinish has become the leading manufacturer of extreme-precision machine tools for Microfinish/Superfinish and double-disc grinding applications.
Microfinishing, also known as superfinishing or short-stroke honing, is the ideal machining process for achieving extreme precision surfaces and component geometries, and removing amorphous surface layers in the magnitude of 2 µm. Honing stones, cup wheels and microfinishing tape or film can be used to generate surface roughness or geometrical accuracy within a previously defined window that often spans a few tenths of a micron. Indicated below are a number of parameters which can be optimized using Microfinish:
With facilities in Europe, America and Asia and a worldwide service network, Thielenhaus has adapted itself to the market conditions and to the customer needs all over the world.
Commitment to quality: Thielenhaus machines are employed by leading manufacturers across the world for a good reason – their high reliability, productivity and production quality. Thielenhaus continuously pushes the limits of precision machining, enabling its customers to achieve workpiece qualities that were previously impossible.
All solutions from a single source: Extreme precision is the specialty of Thielenhaus, and over the years the manufacturer has built the world’s largest portfolio of Microfinish solutions, ranging from industrial equipment for large and small manufacturers to just-in-time tool delivery and other services. When it comes to Microfinish Thielenhaus is the one-stop shop.
The flexibility of Thielenhaus is its customer’s advantage: The manufacturer adapts the machine solutions to the customer’s component, loading/unloading preferences, cycle time requirements and other specific needs. The modular design of the machine platforms accommodates even tricky components.
New challenges and innovation are the passion of Thielenhaus: They are proud of their 430+ patents in surface finishing technology as well as of numerous market-leading platforms and pioneering innovations. Thielenhaus constantly seeks to improve the machining concepts, always keeping in mind the challenges of tomorrow.
Customer support all over the world: With customer service locations in six countries and service agreements with a network of agents and distributors, Thielenhaus is able to provide quick service on short notice practically anywhere in the world. The customers also benefit from a 24/7 hotline and Online Direct Service.
Thielenhaus is known as a highly experienced problem solver: Anyone can be a problem solver, but with more than 70 years of developing Microfinish solutions, the Thielenhaus staff have probably seen and solved more Microfinish problems than anyone else in the industry. When it comes to splitting microns, the Thielenhaus in-depth knowledge of the microfinishing process is unsurpassed.
Thielenhaus Technologies GmbH
Schwesterstr. 50
42285 Wuppertal
Telefon: +49 (202) 481-0
Telefax: +49 (202) 4504-45
http://www.thielenhaus.com
E-Mail: riedel@technopress.de