<< Figure 4: People at Blum have been impressed by the really high basic accuracy of the Amada surface and profile grinding machines. The requested precision with tolerances of ±2.5 µm can be achieved. >>
Growth with new machines “This meant for us that we had to face the challenge since Blum demanded appropriate solutions for each individual issue — solutions which we were able to provide, thank God”, Mayer reports. These solutions were discussed by both parties and recorded in the specifications. “We felt that Amada's employees were paying attention to the things we said and and that they understood us”, stresses Gerlach. From there, things went rather quickly. At first, Blum purchased the test machine in 2009 and subsequently another Meister G3 each year. That means that today, several Japanese profile and surface grinding machines are installed in Höchst while two further Amada grinding machines — one Meister G3 and one Techster 104 — are being used in the Blum plant in the US. And, as Scherr emphasizes, “another Amada machine of even higher capacity is already on the way to Europe” —a fully automated grinding cell —just at the time of the investigation for this press release.
However, the technical features of the Meister G3 also have convinced Blum. From the very beginning, Blum has been impressed by the machines really high basic accuracy. The possibility of complete machining with high process reliability and dependable repeatability is another compelling characteristic. Under appropriate climatic conditions, a precision with tolerances of ±2.5 µm can be achieved. Once again, Ralf Hildebrand: “Most of all, this supports high-precision machining which we are using for certain workpieces.” Blum is mainly using the purchased machines to expand its operating capacities. They are thus the basis for the continuing impressive growth of the manufacturer of furniture fittings. And constant innovation is one of Blum's real key skills.
<< Figure 5: Besides the high accuracy, the Amada grinding machines boast an advanced dressing function. This is achieved by the
functional CNC grinding and dressing technology TPA/VPA for profile dressing of the grinding wheel. >>
Easy familiarisation with new machines Besides the high accuracy, the Amada grinding machines boast a sophisticated dressing function. This is achieved by the functional CNC grinding and dressing technology TPA/VPA for profile dressing of the grinding wheel, which is ideal for the aluminum oxide grinding wheels used. For this purpose, the swivelling unit has been mounted directly on the machine table. It has a thrust bearing which grants highest mechanical stability combined with compact design and light weight. In addition, highest profile accuracy is guaranteed. By using a separate high-speed dressing unit for pre-profiling, the service life of the dressing wheel used for finish profiling is prolonged.
The fact that the Amada grinding machines are so well received after they have been integrated into the manufacturing process is due to the intuitive operation and the short period of familiarisation. “Our operators always find a quick access to the machine's functions”, Hildebrand confirms. In the CNC's set-up mode, for instance, the tool can be moved easily and quickly along the workpiece to teach the required switching and reversing points into the control unit at the touch of a button. Set- up times can thus be cut down. The easy-to-use CNC unit allows a large range of machining processes including the continuous path grinding technology integrated in two paths.
26 | commercial micro manufacturing international Vol 6 No.6
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