All-in-one tool grinder
Rollomatic's six-axis GrindSmart 660XW allows users to employ an ultralean process that eliminates the need for multiple machines and setups.
There is no need for different machines for the different operations required to grind solid rotary cutting tools.
That explains why demand is healthy for the GrindSmart 660XW from Switzerland-based Rollomatic. This hybrid tool-grinding machine handles both grinding of cutting geometries and peel grinding for other tool production tasks. These include plunge-grinding operations, blank preparation for common-shank rotary cutting tools and neck grinding for long-reach mold-and-die endmills.
“To our knowledge, there is no other machine on the market with this kind of ability,” said Eric Schwarzenbach, president of Rollomatic Inc., the company’s North American headquarters in Mundelein, Illinois.
The six-axis GrindSmart 660XW allows users to employ what Rollomatic calls an ultralean process that eliminates the need for multiple machines and setups to complete all the steps necessary to grind a tool. One result is a much quicker process.
The GrindSmart 660XW offers multiple tool-grinding capabilities and a compact footprint. Image courtesy of Rollomatic
“If you do it on three different machines, it can take days or weeks to complete,” Schwarzenbach said. “But on one machine, it is done in one chucking.”
In addition, he pointed out that process management is easier when only one machine is involved, and there’s also a lower risk of tool damage due to less handling and transportation.
To combine grinding of cutting geometries and peel grinding in a single machine, the GrindSmart 660XW features a traveling high-speed workhead mounted on a CNC linear axis. The machine also includes a novel steady rest system designed to provide good support during both fluting and drill-pointing operations. Thanks to the traveling workhead, the grinding wheel is always on top of the steady rest during peel grinding, which makes for a more stable process. In addition, the grinding wheel position remains fixed and close to the steady support point to prevent problematic deflection regardless of the length of the tool.
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