The new Spindle Speed Increaser from Coventry-based Anca (UK) Ltd (www.anca.com) is said to allow the efficient grinding of PCD tool blanks.

Available as an accessory to Anca’s TX7 or TXcell tool and cutter grinders, the unit uses its geared mechanism to rotate grinding wheels at speeds up to 42,000rev/min. The company says the development of this speeder is a direct response to customers wanting the ability to use grinding wheels less than 10mm in diameter.

The device can be exchanged automatically in the same way as a regular wheel pack, allowing it to be used in conjunction with other grinding wheel packs, thereby accommodating a wider range of grinding operations.

In the example of preparing a PCD tool blank, a standard wheel pack and speed can be used for typical operations such as fluting and relief work, with the Spindle Speed Increaser used for grinding any small PCD pockets. As a result, only a single set-up is required to manufacture a complete tool.

Anca also provides software that allows the user to define specific PCD pocket geometries.

The Spindle Speed Increaser requires no special changes to a standard Anca TX7 or TXcell grinder, locating directly into the main spindle’s Big-Plus taper system.