The two-machine X-Series of two- and three-axis surface grinders from Taiwan-based Perfect has long been a part of Erith-based RK International Machine Tools Ltd’s (
www.rk-int.com) portfolio of precision grinding machines.
Now, with the addition of full CNC — via a Siemens 828D system — these machines have gained even greater versatility, with the three-axis versions now able to perform full contour grinding as standard.
The X25 has a 250 x 500mm table, while the larger X36 has a 300 x 600mm table, with 550mm and 600mm clearance between the table and spindle centre-line respectively.
Both variants feature a construction developed through finite-element analysis for optimised stiffness and support, while the ‘high-performance’ P4 spindles feature high-precision angular-contact bearings, a run-out of less than 2μm, and an inverter drive for a choice of spindle speeds to suit specific materials.
A standard feature of the X-Series machines is the use of servo motors on the cross, vertical and X axes (three-axis variant only), along with linear guideways on the cross and vertical axes and box ways on the X-axis (two-axis variant), plus linear guideways for the three-axis machines.
Table speeds range from 1 to 25m/min, depending on the machine specification, with a cross-feed of 1,100mm/min on all machines.
A table-mounted three-piece dressing diamond is standard; and to accommodate the variety of additional grinding cycles, rotary and roller dressing devices are also available for wheel-forming.
Craig Digweed, RK International’s product manager (grinding), said: “With the addition of full CNC, the X-Series provides — as standard — grinding cycles to cover surface, criss-cross, plunge and pitch grinding.
"However, customers can now specify optional cycles such as stair, side, profile and contour grinding, which gives them much greater control over their grinding operations.”