Mitsui Seiki has developed a universal vertical thread grinder, offering many important benefits for customers making precision lead screw type parts. The new VGE60A universal vertical thread grinder won the coveted Grand Prize in Japan's 43rd Machine Design Awards competition. This award ceremony, sponsored by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, was held on July 22013.

According to Tom Dolan, vice president of Mitsui Seiki USA Inc.,"There's been a long trend of switching over from hydraulic to electrical power actuation in a variety of important industries such as automotive, aerospace and robotics. As such, lead and feed screw actuators for electrical power steering, flight control actuators, and automation systems are in increased demand. Along with these market drivers, highly accurate and efficient machining methods for various screws, such as ballscrews, have also been on the rise. Typically, thread grinders have been made the same way for the last 50 years. This new technology changes everything."

Addressing these market forces, Mitsui Seiki developed a new universal thread grinder design configuration. It offers improved accuracy, speed, performance, and multi-functionality over conventional horizontal thread grinder designs, according to the company. The new VGE60A is categorized as a "universal" machine because different grinding operations can be performed. In addition to thread grinding, the machine can now perform spline, gear, OD, surface and edge grinding operations in a single setup. This can save customers significant production time while improving overall part accuracy. Newly designed features such as an automatic grinding wheel changer, automatic wheel guard, a CNC wheel dresser (to accommodate various shaped wheels) vastly improve productivity. Infinitely programmable grinding wheel tilt angles from +45 to -90 degrees provide increased grinding application opportunities. The vertical orientation of the work enhances overall precision elimination of workpiece "sag" is the principle contributor to increased precision.

As with any industry today, the value of floor space and operator ergonomics are important design influences. The new vertical configuration requires 33 percent less floor space than a similar capacity horizontal grinder, and allows for improved human interface with the complete work zone. The VGE60A accommodates a maximum grinding length of 600mm and an overall shaft size of 80mm diameter (with the largest dia. wheel) and 700mm long. The machine is compatible with both oil and water-based coolants.