The Challenges and Benefits of Implementing
a CNC Grinder W
ith the technologi- cal development in today’s metalcasting
industry at its advanced worldwide level, it’s important to take full advan- tage by applying the technology to metalcasting’s complicated processes. Automation has become more flexible, allowing it to be integrated in almost all industries. Tat’s key because manufactured products are requiring higher quality and high demand. Fimex (Guadalajara, Mexico) has
been committed to making a foray into state of the art technology in the field of casting and machining. It has more than 50 CNC machines, such as lathes and machining centers, a fully auto- mated chrome-plating plant that is one of the most modern in Mexico, robotic arms for buffing and polishing process lines for brass and bronze parts, an automatic pouring system for bronze castings, and now the first CNC steel castings grinder machine that has been installed in Latin America. Te grinding and finishing
processes have been historically one of the most difficult to show high efficiency values in the metalcast- ing industry due to the nature of the process itself. CNC technology has been used
in machining processes for several years and has evolved greatly in a very short time. Today’s CNC machines are robust and flexible, allowing them
Once the machine was installed and the operators and technicians had been trained, Fimex began the development of the holding fixtures and the grinding program.
January 2017 MODERN CASTING | 29
to be used as a CNC grinder for steel parts, while grinding and cutting tools simultaneously to remove the excess material in castings. Although this technology of grinding
machines already exists, few companies manufacture and distribute them glob- ally, and few metalcasting facilities take advantage of it. In Fimex’s case, it’s with a variety of machines of this type as well as completely automated manufacturing cells for casting.
The grinding and finishing processes have been historically one of the most difficult to show high efficiency values in the metalcasting industry due to the nature of the process itself. OSCAR BAUTISTA, FIMEX, S.A DE C.V GUADALAJARA, MÉXICO
Justifying CNC Fimex is a steel and bronze casting
and machining company. Te steel division represents 70% of the com- pany and its primary market is in low- and medium-sized parts distributed in several market niches. To discuss why this purchase was
justified, it is necessary to mention some of the advantages and disad- vantages CNC technology brings to grinding.
All images courtesy of Fimex.
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