Two new automatic loading developments for the large-capacity Helitronic Vision 400L grinder and the two-in-one Vision Diamond 400L grinding/eroding machine have been announced by Warwick-based Walter Ewag UK Ltd (www.walter-machines.com) — the Top-Loader and Robot Loader 25.

The Top-Loader features a pneumatic swivel arm with gripper to integrate with Walter’s standard robot pallet system for tools up to 32mm in diameter. The two-pallet system, one for blanks and finished tools, can each accommodate up to 500 tools (depending on size).

Meanwhile, the Robot Loader 25 can accommodate 21 tools up to 315mm in diameter and weighing 25kg (or 28 tools up to 220mm in diameter and 70 tools up to 105mm in diameter).

Equipped with a Fanuc robot and featuring new software that accommodates the ‘random’ loading and storage of tools and blanks in HSK holders on up to seven pallets, the efficiency and effectiveness of the Robot Loader 25 is enhanced by laser marking for tool set-up and optional ‘diameter determination’ functionality for automatic operation.

Both the Walter Helitronic Vision 400L tool grinder and the Helitronic Vision Diamond 400L can accommodate tools up to 315mm in diameter and 420mm long.

The latter can process (grind/erode) rotationally symmetrical precision tools in PCD, carbide, HSS, ceramic, cermet and CBN in a single set-up.