Haas Schleifmaschinen GmbH in Trossingen, Germany, manufactures universal grinding machines, which offer significant versatility for full-sequence production of complex precision tools and workpieces.
At IMTS 2016, U.S. subsidiary Haas Multigrind LLC will present its new, compact all-rounder that completes its range of grinding machines: the Multigrind® CU, destined to replace the AF series due to its long list of productive features packed into a small footprint. The smallest machine in the Haas product line, the new Multigrind® CU completes the series of machines offered by the grinding experts from Trossingen.
As the largest machine in the Haas series, Multigrind® CB can accommodate grinding wheels with diameters of up to 300 mm (12 inches) and process workpieces with diameters of 340 mm to 500 mm (20 inches). The medium-sized Haas machine, Multigrind® CA, was engineered for grinding wheels up to 250 mm (10 inches) and workpieces up to 260 mm (10.25 inches). Multigrind® CU accommodates wheels up to 225 mm (9 inches) and workpieces up to 180 mm (7 inches).
When it comes to functionality and universal applications, the machine concept engineered follows the same strategy as the other Haas machine types: delivering a universal grinding machine for full-sequence machining. In the case of the Multigrind® CU, Haas was guided by companies’ need for the most compact machines possible.
The new CU’s width is 50 mm less than its predecessor, the AF machine. Since the coolant system and its two large tanks are integrated into the machine bed, the new model requires less than half the space of the old AF. The robot function was external to the machine in the past, but the Haas developers have successfully integrated it into the CU — a solution to customers’ need for compactness and automation.
The operation, maintenance, and servicing concept are just as sophisticated. There are no operator or service access points on the sides of the machine. Consequently, the CU machines can be “stacked” side-by-side to save significant floor space. The machine is loaded, unloaded, and programmed at the front, and the back is reserved for maintenance. Despite its small space, the CU still has a tool changer with nine to 14 positions, depending on the tool size. This means three times more capacity than its predecessor. The tool changer is loaded at the front.
The compact design also required a new axis concept, so the developers came up with a special solution. The new machine’s axis arrangement follows the classical gantry principle, in which the X-, Y-, and Z-axes are positioned at the top. The Y-axis runs along the side of the machine bed. Both the A-axis for rotating the workpiece and the machine table are attached to the C-axis. The C-axis also drives the circular tool magazine, which is installed under the table. The gripper, which can load the machine from four integrated pallets, is installed on the Z-axis so that it can travel in the X, Y, and Z directions without the extra cost and floor space of a robot or any additional axes.
This makes the new Multigrind® CU series as universally applicable as the two series of larger machines. Due to its size and capacity, it is especially suitable for manufacturing indexable inserts, inserts, drills, and other metalworking tools. Other applications that require the high-precision full-sequence machining of smaller workpieces with complex geometries in only one setting are also possible.
At IMTS 2016, the Haas booth in the North Building, Booth #N-7514, will feature a Multigrind® CU and a Multigrind® CB model. Both will demonstrate how universally applicable grinding centers can contribute to boosting customer performance.
