Star Cutter and Star SU, LLC–a U.S. manufacturer of high performance tool and cutter grindersãannounces the new Star PTG Series of 5 axis, NUM CNC controlled tool and cutter grinding machines to be featured at IMTS 2004 in Chicago September 8-15 (McCormick Place North Hall, Booth B-6912). This significant new series features:
- 20 HP drives, continuous from 4000 through 10,000 rpm
- maximum wheel diameter of 10"
- linear glass scale positioning
- automatic wheel probing systems
- direct drive digital head stocks with a maximum of 1,000 rpm with 350 in/lbs. of torque for heavy fluting
- NUMROTOplus® software
- optional 3-D virtual grinding simulation
- optional auto loading systems for unattended operation The machine series design and power are targeted to address the serious manufacturers of high quality cutting tools. Designed for solid carbide tool manufacturers and special application grinding companies, these machines have the versatility, horsepower and performance to handle any tool, including orthopedic medical instruments.
The PTG-2 features a direct drive double ended grinding spindle, a proprietary indexing mechanism pivoting the grinding spindle to the desired end, while maintaining the grinding wheel position in the normal position of the CNC controlled "B" axis. The entire system is designed to minimize the moment of error and overall distance between wheel packs. The result is outstanding accuracy and surface finish. The machines have the added benefit of automatically probing all abrasives mounted on either end of the double end spindle.
The PTG-4 offers a single end direct drive 20 H.P grinding spindle with auto/HSK wheel mounting, a (4) four position wheel change mechanism to pre-positions the selected wheel packages and coolant manifolds. The wheel change system is located outside the grinding environment with interlocking operator access. All wheel and coolant exchanges are seamlessly controlled within the NUMROTOplus® software.
NUMROTOplusÆ software packages are the most powerful in the industry. The features include, grinding wheel management, grinding process management for maximum cycle time development prior to manufacturing, single command tool file conversion from manufacture to re-condition and from right hand to left hand, 2-D simulation with zoom and measurement to with .0001", the creation and import / export of DXF files, variable helix, flute form adaptation, and much more.
The PTG-2 and the NUMROTOplus® software will be interfaced with a ZOLLER "GENIUS" inspection unit at IMTS. It provides a complete integration of producing cutting tool, with NUMROTOplusÆ placing the tool and the HSK Schunk "Quick Change" work holding in the GENIUS unit, and automatically inspecting and adjusting the selected parameters based on inspection results.
The new PTG series complements the existing line of ETG series economy tool grinders and the UTG family of broach grinding machines. The complete line of machines is manufactured at the Star Machine Tool Division located in Elk Rapids, Michigan. For more information contact Brian Cluff, of Star SU, LLC, at (847) 649-1470, or via e-mail at bcluff@star-su.com. Visit online at [www.star-su.com].
