Delta S.r.l., an Italian specialist in high-tech flat-surface grinding machines, has introduced the new Mini 20, significantly expanding the capacity range of its established Mini travelling-column line.
Available in the UK and Ireland through
RK International Machine Tools Ltd, the fully automatic model is aimed at high-precision applications, offering a maximum grinding length of 2,100mm and a maximum grinding width of 600mm, or 650mm with the 100mm wheel option.
Designed to handle both mass-production work and one-off precision tasks, the Mini 20 incorporates a rigid travelling-column architecture intended to deliver consistent flatness and repeatability. Core machine elements, including the base, table, column and wheel-head, are manufactured from stress-relieved Meehanite cast iron.
Developed with the support of finite element analysis in collaboration with the Mechanical Engineering Department of the Polytechnic of Milan, the structure is engineered to maximise stiffness and damp vibration, while addressing the overhang and stability issues associated with moving-head designs.
Hydrostatic slideways are employed across all three axes via a closed-loop, pressurised oil system. This arrangement effectively eliminates sliding friction and wear, enabling the machine to maintain its geometric accuracy over time. The absence of ‘stick-slip’ is said to ensure smooth axis motion and high repeatability, while the full-support slideway design keeps the 2,000mm x 500mm table fully supported throughout travel. The machine can accommodate workpieces up to 1,500kg, underlining its capability for larger components.
At the heart of the grinding system is a Mackensen-type hydrodynamic spindle, featuring an oversised bearing on the wheel side. By avoiding metal-to-metal contact, the hydrodynamic principle promotes long service life, quiet running and enhanced surface finish performance, while further eliminating wear within the spindle assembly.
The Mini 20 is offered with three levels of control: Diastep, CN Plus Touch Screen and full CNC. The standard Diastep version uses Delta’s in-house-developed control system, providing a teachable and intuitive interface for managing continuous or step grinding cycles, plunge grinding, and roughing and finishing passes with increments down to 0.001mm. Automatic wheel dressing with compensation is also included, and the company states that full machine operation can be achieved after only half a day of training.
Delta’s latest launch builds on a long heritage in grinding technology. Founded in Pavia in 1955 by Oreste Marchesi and Pietro Ceri, the company evolved from a precision metalworking shop into a dedicated manufacturer of surface grinders. A key milestone came in the late 1960s with the adoption of the Mackensen hydrodynamic spindle as a standard feature. In the early 1980s, Delta pioneered travelling-column designs in large-format machines before introducing the Mini family in 2005 to bring the concept into a more compact footprint.
Manufacturing today takes place at the company’s headquarters in Cura Carpignano, near Pavia, where the firm remains under the leadership of the founding families. Its continued focus on in-house machine and control system development supports high levels of customisation for demanding applications.
Commenting on the UK introduction, Simon Rood, director at RK International Machine Tools, said: “With a 15-year relationship between Delta and RK International Machine Tools, we are seeing a growing number of customers become aware of the build quality and attention to detail. Where customers are demanding more accuracy from their grinding machine, the Delta range performs to the highest levels.”
For further details contact RK International Machine Tools Ltd.