New grinder boosts production capacity

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END USER: ZPS-Frézovací Nástroje a.s., +420-576-777-510, www.zps-fn.com. CHALLENGE: Increase capacity when producing milling cutters. SOLUTION: A two-spindle, automated, high-speed grinder. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Erwin Junker Machinery Inc., (847) 488-0406, www.junker-usa.com

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ZPS-Frézovací Nástroje a.s., a manufacturer of HSS milling tools, was looking to boost its market share and better equip a new training and education center at its headquarters in Zlín, Czech Republic. The center allows the company’s employees, as well as experts and students from technical-vocational schools and technical universities, to become acquainted with new manufacturing technology.

The company accomplished both goals with the installation of a new high-speed grinding machine, Lean Selection speed, from Erwin Junker Maschinenfabrik GmbH, Nordrach, Germany. Equipped with two grinding spindles and employing CBN or diamond grinding wheels, the machine combines fast grinding times and an automated loading system. ZPS uses the grinder for production runs and training demonstrations.

Courtesy of Junker

The Lean Selection speed machine grinds cylindrical, stepped and tapered ODs, as well as the cutting edge, in a single clamping.

The new machine replaced several conventional cylindrical grinding machines at ZPS, providing a higher rate of machine availability, higher part quality and higher output, according to the company.

Founded in the 1930s, ZPS has been manufacturing HSS milling cutters since the 1950s. Today, the company is the largest milling cutter manufacturer in the Czech Republic and employs about 120 people. In 2011, the company exported approximately 70 percent of its tools, with half going to Germany.