Automated tool production on show

Informative technical presentations on Walter and Ewag tool grinding, erosion and laser processes – available in the UK from Walter Ewag UK – were among the array of technology treats displayed and discussed at the United Grinding Group’s three-day Grinding Symposium 2019 in Thun, Switzerland, where more than 1500 visitors attended.

Event mit Technologiepräsentationen

While Ewag focused on the use of lasers in online tool manufacturing, Walter highlighted both ‘high-end’ and PCD tool production. The potential benefits of Ewag’s Laser Line Ultra machine in the production of ultra-hard tools (solid carbide and PCD) for one customer were revealed as part of a novel Internet-based demonstration. After witnessing Ewag’s prototype demonstration at GrindTec 2018, when 200 tools were produced by the Laser Line Ultra, the customer established a cell around the machine where eight pallets accommodate a total of 1800 tools. Orders and production run autonomously with no operator involvement, round the clock if required.
The production of fir-tree milling cutters (HSS/carbide) for aerospace blade machining was outlined by Walter, using a cutter of 25 mm diameter and 40 mm long – and demanding a profile tolerance of ±2 µm – as an example. This demonstration showed the process integrity of the combined attributes of a Helitronic Power 400 tool grinding machine and a Helicheck 3D measuring machine, used for scanning a tool to create a 3D master model.
Walter also presented the effectiveness of integrating its ‘two-in-one’ Helicheck Power Diamond 400 grinding and erosion machine with the automated Helicheck Plus inspection machine for the production of PCD-tipped solid-carbide tools.
For further information www.walter-machines.com