Two new automation aids designed to enhance productivity by facilitating the unmanned and ‘lights out’ operation of multi-axis Walter Helitronic tool-grinding and erosion machines have been introduced by Warwick-based Walter Ewag UK Ltd (www.walter-machines.com).

Featuring a swivelling arm and a single gripper, the new Top Loader is designed for automatic tool loading on the Helitronic Mini Power and Helitronic Essential tool grinders, as well as the Helitronic Diamond Evolution — a two-in-one tool-grinding and erosion machine.

Tools from 1 to 32mm in diameter and up to 185mm long can be accommodated by the Top Loader, which uses Walter’s standard robot pallets for blanks and finished tools (these accommodate up to 500 3mm-diameter tools). A tool change takes just 27sec.

Also new for the Helitronic Mini Power and Helitronic Diamond Evolution machines is a compact wheel changer that can accept six grinding-wheel sets or electrodes with a maximum diameter of 150mm.

Using this wheel changer on machines featuring Walter’s newly developed belt-driven spindle increases the tool-grinding and erosion capacity by 40mm, to grinding lengths of 225mm.