VOLLMER is sharpening tools using laser light 2020-03-16

The Swabian sharpening specialist VOLLMER has completed its range of products with a laser-based sharpening machine. The new machine concept for the VLaser 270 will be presented for the first time in spring 2020.The addition of laser technology makes VOLLMER a fullliner of tool machining and completes its range of grinding and erosion machines. VOLLMER drawn on its 111 years of experience in all fields to develop the VLaser 270. Innovative kinematics ensure fast and high-precision machining of ultra-hard cutting materials, always keeping the tool in the centre of the focal point based on the C-axis. The relevant automatic settings enable unmanned use of the VLaser 270 around the clock. 

Thanks to the non-contact procedure, the energy from the laser allows the new VOLLMER VLaser 270 machine to sharpen the cutting edges of cutting tools which are tipped with PCD (polycrystalline diamond) or other ultra-hard materials. The laser machine completes VOLLMER's range of grinding and erosion machines, making the Swabian machine manufacturer a fullliner of sharpening technologies, whether rotary tools, circular saws or metal-cutting band saws. This now means as a fullliner, irrespective of which process is used, VOLLMER is always able to provide its customers with the optimum sharpening solution for their individual requirements.

VLaser 270 is based on innovative VOLLMER kinematics
At the core of the VLaser 270 is its fixed laser beam guidance with innovative machine kinematics. The way in which the five axes are arranged on top of each other means that the tool is always machined at the pivot point of the C axis. This makes it possible to machine tools with minimal axis movement and to ensure stable process control. At the same time, the kinematic chain enables high path accuracy, which has a positive impact on the machining accuracy and quality of the tools.
The VLaser 270 can optionally be equipped with a counter point to achieve even higher concentricity. This makes the VLaser 270 the first laser machine on the market to have such a counter point. The result is a machine that is compact in size, with dimensions that are clearly defined. The VLaser 270 can be combined with the HC 4 tool change automation, which is also used for other VOLLMER machines. 

The VLaser 270 is very flexible, highly efficient and ensures perfect cutting edge quality. It works without making contact, without tool wear and without any significant thermal influence. This latest innovation from VOLLMER allows the customer to increase the operating life of tools and contribute to the sustainable optimisation of manufacturing processes. It is equally suitable for manufacturing and resharpening ultra-hard cutting materials.

Lasers' considerable potential 
VOLLMER's laser technology can be used to optimise different processes in tool manufacturing, including the machining of chip guide notches. This involves incorporating notches behind the tool cutting edge in order to influence the cutting properties. VOLLMER also wants to use its laser machine to carry out applications such as chamfer machining and preparing cutting edges. 

"We're incorporating lasers into our range of machinery in such a way that they provide tool manufacturers with clear added value for sharpening," remarks Dr Stefan Brand, CEO of the VOLLMER Group. "As a fullliner, we have the flexibility to offer our customers a perfect sharpening solution which is focused on customers' individual requirements using the three technologies – grinding, eroding and lasers."