Linear motors on the linear axes make the VTG4000 fast,
and firm hydrostatic guideways increase accuracy. “A standard- size machine, using ballscrews on the axes, maintains about a 3-µm form deviation,” said Johansson. “Tis machine maintains form deviation of less than 1 µm with feed resolution in 0.1-µm steps.” Linear slides are at the heart of Lidköping machines, and the combination of hydrostatic guideways, air seals and linear motors creates a stiff, accurate, maintenance-free system. “To achieve dynamic stiffness we need high gain, which is linked to the quality of the encoder scales,” explained Johansson. “It also makes a big difference that the angle encoders have the scale integrated directly onto the ring.”
High Quality Improves Control of Turbine Blades Pitch bearings allow wind turbine blades to optimize their
angle according to wind speed, or create a stall condition in high winds, so the reliability of these bearings is critical to efficient, safe operation. Te multitasking VTG4000 is designed to machine these
large bearings in a single setup, performing both turning and grinding with two separate heads. Te two heads are con- figured as required, usually grinding/turning or grinding/ grinding. Te machine’s 4.5-m X axis carries the two heads on opposite sides of the part, and allows both grinding and turn- ing tools to access the outside of the part. With some compo- nents weighing more than 35 t, the VTG4000 is very resistant to distortion and thermal variation, which is aided by closely controlled hydrostatic oil and coolant temperatures. “We’ve used hydrostatic guideways since the 1970s, and combining them with linear motors gives us a faster, more accurate ma- chine capable of far greater acceleration and deceleration,” said plant manager Henrik Jonsson. “When you see that you can move the 25,000-kg rotary axis with your finger, you realize how good the hydrostatic system is.”
Linear optical encoder scale in place on a linear axis of the VTG4000.
Safe from Coolant and Swarf Renishaw’s LM10 magnetic angle encoders are fitted to the
B axes of the grinding heads. Tese encoders are exposed to the harsh conditions of the machine environment, but their noncontact, non-optical design, and sealing to IP68, protects them from the effects of coolant and swarf. Te digital or analog output LM10 allows up to 100-m travel and high-speed operation of up to 25 m/s (4 m/s at 1-µm resolution). All Renishaw encoders feature an integral patented setup
LED that speeds installation and removes the need for complex setup equipment or oscilloscopes. “One of the best features of the Renishaw encoders is how easy they are to set up,” said Johansson. “With the scale attached and the readhead
“This machine maintains form deviation of less than 1 µm with feed resolution in 0.1-µm steps.”
Johansson first saw the encoders that would end up on the
VTG4000 at the EMO show in 2007, and Lidköping put the sensors through rigorous testing. “We compared different scales assembled on our reference slide and selected the one with the best performance,” said Johansson. “It was important that the linear encoders have a continuous length of at least 4.5 m, as well as high dirt resistance, and Renishaw’s SiGNUM fit these requirements the best. We have fitted them to all four linear slides, and have had no problems. Our rotary table has the same design principle, with hydrostatic radial and axial bearings, air seals and torque motors. We did the same analysis and chose the SiGNUM angle encoders.”
approximately located, the indicator lights make it very easy to see how well the two elements are aligned.” To accurately set the part in the machine’s work-coordinate
system, the VTG4000 uses a Renishaw RMP60 radio signal transmission touch probe. Aſter a raw part is placed on the bed, the RMP60 is loaded into the toolchanger and used to locate the exact position of key features in a matter of seconds. Tis data is used to update the coordinate system in-cycle for quick, accurate machining.
Edited by Yearbook Editor James D. Sawyer from information provided by Renishaw Inc..
Energy Manufacturing 2013 65
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