Unlike the auto industry’s concept cars that rarely go into production, Drake Manufacturing has built, sold, and will show off its "concept" thread grinder at IMTS 2004 (Booth B-7407). The GS:TE-LM is a full helix thread grinder equipped with a host of advanced machine design and grinding technologies. Drake wants its customers to be able to grind a wide range of threaded, slotted, or otherwise grooved parts on one machine. The Drake Model GS:TE-LM will enable users to:
- Grind threads, splines, key slots, rings and other forms on one machine in one setup
- Grind using the latest superabrasives with confidence
- Optimize the dress and grind process by monitoring acoustical emissions
- Automatically correct wheel forms for helical path interference or generate forms using standard plated wheels
- Employ machine operators instead of journeymen machinists
- Offer their customers high value added grinding services to remain globally competitive
Drake enables its customers to achieve these ends by equipping its external grinder with:
- Linear motors on linear ways for maximum acceleration and contouring capability with fewer mechanical parts for low maintenance operation
- Tenth-micron scale feedback for world class accuracy now and after years of operation
- Drake Smart SpindleTM technology providing automatic balancing, touch dressing, and part feature locating
- Drake Smart FormTM technology that automatically generates corrected wheel forms for helical path interference and off helix grinding or calculates setup parameters for generating desired part feature geometry with a standard wheel form
- Full 180° Power Helix
- Mineral filled cast polymer base with excellent thermal stability and vibration dampening
- High static and dynamic stiffness to aggressively grind with the latest super abrasives
- State of the art Fanuc CNC system for reliability
- A lean, clean, ergonomic design and compact footprint for operation in a cell environment
"We wanted to show manufacturers globally what intelligent machine design coupled with a scientific approach to grinding can do to reduce setup times, improve part quality, and maximize productivity," says John Drake, CEO. "Of course, as a Drake grinder, it will be delivered fully programmed and ready to put our customer’s parts out the door from day one. The GS:TE-LM will be of great interest to customers producing taps, multi-start worms, electronic steering components, fast lead ball screws, feed and bone screws, gear boxes, transmissions, and speed reducers." Drake Manufacturing designs, builds, and services state-of-the-art precision CNC grinding, rack milling, and gear hobbing machines that help maximize productivity, improve quality, and reduce production costs for a wide variety of demanding applications.
For more information contact: John Drake at (330) 847-7291. Visit their Web site at [www.drakemfg.com].