When Swabians sharpen special tools 2016-09-15

Since 1999, Günther Wirth has been using VOLLMER's QWD erosion machines to manufacture PCD tools. Thanks to the contactless eroding process, the PCD can be removed precisely and the tool geometries can be individually adapted to customer requirements. Due to the eroding wire, they are used for the precise sharpening of complex tool geometries with very small internal radii, as is typical of multi-stage tools.

"We see our tools as being clearly positioned in the high-performance segment, and the requirements of our sharpening and machining tools are correspondingly high," says Gerhard Bailom. "VOLLMER is a partner whose solutions represent the same quality and sustainability values as us – both in the machines and in the service it provides. As we both have our headquarters in Upper Swabia, we also value the personal, intensive dialogue."

The tool manufacturer has recently added the <link iconlink>VGrind 160 grinding machine from VOLLMER to its repertoire, using it for the development and production of special solid carbide tools. Equipped with an automation solution, the machine allows round the clock production. New kinematics with two vertically positioned spindles guarantee the precision and dimensional accuracy of the <link iconlink>VGrind 160, enabling multi-level machining. The workpieces can be ground at the optimal pivot point of the C-axis on both grinding spindles. This spindle positioning solves the common problems related to fixed and floating bearings, which leads to more precise results when machining solid carbide tools.

Another plus factor, according to GW, is the <link iconlink> VGrind 160's control system, which is based on the software NUMROTOplus. The HP 160 pallet magazine also enables automatic tool machining round the clock. The magazine can hold up to 272 workpieces and automatically feed them to the <link iconlink>VGrind 160 – during the two day shifts as well as during the night shift. It's no wonder, then, that GW has now purchased two additional VGrind models.

"At all GW sites, production is carried out in accordance with high and, above all, uniform standards," says Dr.-Ing. Stefan Brand, CEO of the VOLLMER Group. "The company's machine fleet allows us to ensure that production in India, for example, is carried out with the same quality and good delivery times as in Germany. And thanks to our sites in Germany and in India, we are always on hand when it comes to the performance of our grinding and erosion machines."