Warwick-based Walter Ewag UK Ltd (www.walter-machines.com) has announced two new developments that are designed to further speed up machining routines on the company’s range of Walter Helitronic multi-axis tool grinders: the GDS automatic tool-clamping system and the automatic measurement of axis positioning.

According to Walter Ewag, the spring-loaded GDS system provides fast and accurate collet changing from the front
of the machine, with a clamping length of 50mm for tools up to 20mm in diameter on the Helitronic machine range (up to 12mm on the Helitronic Mini Automation and Helitronic Micro).

Concentricity and repeatability are both quoted as 0.002mm.

Additional time savings are available with the automatic measurement of machine axis positioning. Available soon as a retrofit for Helitronic tool grinders with Fanuc CNCs, the system simply requires a setting disc with electrical isolator to be interfaced with the control.

The new functionality not only eliminates the possibility of human error but also releases operators for other tasks.