RK International announces ‘Dawn’ of a new grinding era

Simon Rood, RK International’s general manager, inspects a large capacity Dawn DN-2502 two-spindle vertical grinder near completion at Dawn Machinery’s factory

Taiwan-based Dawn Machinery Co., Ltd, a specialist in special-purpose machines for a wide range of manufacturing processes, boasts over 30 years’ of R&D experience, particularly in grinding machine technologies. Its business philosophy centres on customisation and turnkey solutions, ensuring high efficiency and precision for various workpieces.

The robust double-column Dawn DN Series of vertical grinding machines, for example, available in the UK from sole agent Erith-based RK International Machine Tools Ltd, are designed for high precision and stability, providing an optimal operating space. Their vertical layout means they are not impacted by gravity when clamping heavy workpieces, which can be easily loaded using an overhead hoist.

Furthermore, fully enclosed covers and oil mist extraction are standard, preventing leakage of grinding oil and mist. The machines can be supplied in flexible configurations, including options for single or dual spindles, and with or without an automatic tool changer (ATC).

Processing efficiency and precision
The DN series comes equipped with user-friendly conversational programming interfaces, making control operations and program creation easier. Siemens CNC controls are available, often with large touchscreens, and the intelligent dialogue interface incorporates years of grinding experience, allowing operators to select appropriate processing methods without needing to write new programs, ensuring processing efficiency and precision.

Pictured left: RK International’s Simon Rood talks to Dawn Machinery’s CEO and founder Alan Hsu on the manufacturer’s stand at TIMTOS 2025 held at the beginning of March in Taipei

The mechanical specifications vary across the DN series models, ranging from the DN-200 to the DN-2500, which support workpiece swing diameters from diameter 280 to 2,500mm and maximum loads from 100 to 10,000kg. These machines can grind inner and outer diameters, as well as the end surface of heavy or non-circular workpieces.

Simon Rood, RK International’s general manager, said: “Having recently spent time with the Dawn Machinery engineering team and seeing a large capacity Dawn DN-2502 two-spindle vertical grinder near completion, I was impressed by the performance and accuracy of the machine build and test.

“The Dawn DN Series can handle an extensive range of grinding applications, including gear ID/OD/face grinding, spindle housings, square workpiece grinding, internal and external grinding of end gear rings, fixture workpiece grinding, deep hole small inner diameter grinding, boring plus ID grinding, taper and flat grinding, cam profile grinding, square profile grinding, bearing race shape grinding, form dressing, chuck ID/OD/face grinding, groove grinding, and hydraulic cylinder grinding.”

Precision is a key focus, with minimum setting units for the X and Z axes at 0.0001mm, supported by optical scales. A hydrostatic pressure turntable boasts a rotational precision of less than 1µm. The structure incorporates Swiss, German, and Japanese linear guideways and ballscrews, and linear motors are available as an optional feature.

Standard accessories include essential items like oil mist extraction devices, paper and magnetic filters, and diamond dressing tools. Optional extras include online detection and measuring systems, electromagnetic or hydraulic chucks, powered rotary diamond dressers, collision avoidance detection, and spindle monitoring. Touch probe gauges and online measuring systems are also available options for part and geometrical inspection.

Turnkey solutions
Dawn Machinery offers turnkey solution services, including planning for production lines and assistance with selecting grinding wheels and fixture equipment. This comprehensive approach, from initial quotation to final commissioning, including demonstration, time studies, delivery, installation, training, and after-sales services, is handled in-house in the UK by RK International, providing customers with the confidence of dealing with a single-source supplier.

Pictured right: Dawn Machinery takes the covers off a DN Series twin spindle machine

Alan Hsu, Dawn Machinery’s CEO and founder, said: “Being able to provide local support with an array of grinding knowledge was a major bonus when discussing our machines with RK International. With the grinding experience the UK company can provide a comprehensive approach to machine tool supply and service is vital for the growth of our product range. Of course, today, it has never been easier to support an installed machine on the opposite side of the world, but having local representation and support from a partner who understands the grinding process is paramount to helping and supporting our installed machine network.”

For today’s engineers and manufacturers facing the challenges of machining small to large, light to heavy, or complex parts with high precision, particularly in critical industries like aerospace and power generation, the Dawn DN vertical spindle series of grinding machines offer a compelling proposition. Their inherent design advantages over horizontal machines – including superior workpiece rigidity, easier automation, reduced interference issues, a smaller footprint, and lower cost of ownership – combined with advanced features like an ATC and integrated measuring capabilities — deliver significant improvements in productivity, accuracy, and operational efficiency.

Mr Rood concluded: “The Dawn DN Series, backed by RK International’s decades of experience and commitment to service, provides the performance, versatility, and reliability that modern manufacturers demand. It is a machine designed to meet the precision needs of today and the productivity requirements of tomorrow.”