Twin-plated CBN wheel setup on the Zenith 400, for a refrigeration screwRochdale-based
PTG Holroyd Precision has received an order for an ultra-precise Zenith 400 helical profile grinding machine from a leading Chinese manufacturer of helical components. Developed to precision grind components weighing up to 700kg and measuring up to 420mm in diameter, 2.2m in length, and with a maximum 100mm profile depth, the Zenith 400 combines high stock removal rates with aggressive semi-finishing. It offers production rates and accuracies tailored to the most demanding of manufacturing strategies.
Scheduled for installation at the Chinese company’s Chongqing-based production facility this summer, the Zenith 400 is equipped with PTG Holroyd’s proprietary dual grinding wheel system. This capability enables operators to use either a 500mm vitrified, dressable aluminium oxide grinding wheel for exceptional versatility in production strategies and product development, or diamond-hard plated CBN roughing and finishing wheels for cost-effective volume production.
Mark Curran, PTG Holroyd Precision’s sales director, said: “With the advantage of two grinding wheels, our customer will be able to complete both rough-grinding and finish-grinding in one seamless operation. By using CBN grinding wheels for both grinding processes, they will benefit from significantly reduced cycle times and improved heat dissipation. Thanks to the greater resistance of CBN, they will also enjoy extended wheel life, with no need for dressing, even at high stock removal rates.”
Significant orderHe continued: “We are extremely pleased to have received this significant machine tool order. In addition to the Zenith 400’s well-proven capabilities, its dual grinding wheel capability was clearly a major attraction to the customer in view of the efficiencies this will bring to their production processes.”
Providing considerable flexibility in helical profile grinding, the Zenith 400 features advanced development and production software, making it well-suited to all user requirements, whether that is research and development or mass production.
Key features of the Zenith 400 helical profile grinding machine include: vitrified Al2O3 and plated CBN grinding wheel options; accelerated setup, with fully automated grinding wheel balancing system; powerful, menu-driven touchscreen programming; high stock removal rates, aggressive semi-finishing and precision fine finishing; Holroyd’s unique on-board 3-D CMM component scanning probe with fully automatic compensation feedback; high-speed spindles and advanced in-process dressing systems to maintain profile accuracy and keep the grinding wheel in optimum condition; and complete integration with automated parts handling systems.
Incorporating the brands of PTG Holroyd, PTG Powerstir Friction Stir Welding and Holroyd Precision Rotors, PTG has established itself at the forefront of high-precision machine tool design, build and supply for specialised applications. The range includes advanced machine tools for the production of complex helical components such as compressor rotors, pump screws and high-accuracy gears, and Powerstir machine tools for friction stir welding advanced alloys used in transport applications.
With production facilities in the UK, USA and China, Holroyd Precision Rotors manufactures the special purpose, ultra-precision helical components used in a wide range of industries, including refrigeration, air-conditioning, gas and vacuum pumping, industrial air handling, aerospace, medical equipment, motion control, power transmission, power generation, oil and gas, fluid transfer and high-end automotive. PTG also provides advanced technical consulting services.