Software helps GT Grinding stay ahead

GT Grinding’s continual quest to meet a growing order book, and to improve service delivery levels in the manufacture of special-purpose tooling, as well as tool regrinds for customers across the UK, has led the tooling specialist to invest in a Walter Helitronic Power tool grinder.

Supplied by Walter Ewag UK, the machine is capable of processing rotary tools from 3 to 320 mm diameters, and up to 350 mm long. Complementing three other Helitronic machines at the company’s Oldham site, the new Power is equipped with an Eco Loader and wheelchanger, as well as the latest version of Walter’s Tool Studio programming software, to ensure that GT Grinding “stays ahead in the design, modification and grinding of rotary tooling”, according to works manager Andy Cooper.
He adds: “This latest machine will undoubtedly also help us to make further inroads into our manufacturing and regrinding operation, especially of routers for the woodworking and plastics industries. The Tool Studio software will play a key role, too.”
With integrated wizard technology for ease of use, Tool Studio 3 includes a host of new routines for ‘what you see you can grind’ tool production simulation, parameter changes and operation for Helitronic Power users. The software is combined with the benefits of automatic non-stop production via the Eco Loader – which is located on the machine work table and can accommodate 20 tools as standard – and up to 165 tools in the Eco Loader Plus configuration. In GT Grinding’s case, this includes the machining of solid-carbide and HSS tools such as special form cutters and slitters, as well as ‘conventional’ drills, milling cutters and reamers.
For further information www.walter-machines.com