Holroyd’s superabrasive edgetek machines are a major breakthrough for the future of machining

Citation

(2002), "Holroyd’s superabrasive edgetek machines are a major breakthrough for the future of machining", Assembly Automation, Vol. 22 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.2002.03322daf.004

Holroyd’s superabrasive edgetek machines are a major breakthrough for the future of machining

Holroyd’s superabrasive edgetek machines are a major breakthrough for the future of machining

Keywords: Machining

Holroyd’s new Edgetek range of superabrasive machining and turning systems are providing European industry with a unique opportunity to improve competitiveness by delivering massive reductions in product cycle times – in some cases by over80 per cent – and equally impressive tool cost savings. Designed for the use on wide range of standard and ultra hard and exotic materials, including Ceramics, Nickel, Tool Steel, Waspalloy, Inconel, Hastelloy, Powdered Metals and Stellite, the Edgetek machines deliver improved quality and part consistency as well as offering simplified set-up to optimise manufacturing time.

The launch of the Edgetek machines further strengthens Holroyd’s position as a world leader in the manufacture of machines and turnkey manufacturing cells to produce worm and helical gears and helical screw rotors. Manufactured in the UK, at Holroyd's factory in Rochdale, the multi-axis, CNC controlled machines deploy proven high efficiency deep grinding (HEDG) techniques, using cubic boron nitride (CBN) wheels at surface speeds of up to 9000 m/min. This enables them to achieve high depths of cut and optimised metal removal rates far exceeding those of more conventional machines such as CNC lathes, milling and machining centres and grinders. In addition to improve product cycle times, the “low heat” HEDG system also produces a stronger finished component that, when compared to those produced by other techniques such as creep feed grinding, is less likely to be deformed (see Plate 5).

Fundamental to the Edgetek machines superior levels of performance and precision is a unique granite polymer base and column. Developed to satisfy the need for extreme rigidity and enhanced vibration damping, the polymer base typically weighs 3 tonnes and has no resonant frequency. As a result, it enables higher precision machining to be achieved. Similar to other unique components in the design, the base reflects the manufacturer’s determination to develop a machine range that has been engineered specifically for high performance superabrasive machining. Holroyd sales director, Paul Hannah, explains: “Unlike other manufacturers, Holroyd is not offering a range of existing machines that have been adapted. Rather, we are providing a comprehensive product range that has been designed from scratch, incorporating new and sophisticated technology which has been developed specifically with superabrasive machining in mind.”

Plate 5

Superabrasive technology using CBN grinding wheels is also a highly successful method of machining components made from powdered metals popular with automotive manufacturers. Although valued for their homogeneous and stress-free composition, materials which have undergone the sintering process are notoriously difficult to machine and are totally unsuitable for conventional turning.

A combination of high efficiency deep grinding techiques and cubic boron nitride grinding wheels has proved extremely successful for the accurate and efficient machining of powdered metals and has earned Holroyd’s Edgetek superabrasive machining centres growing support among manufacturers of components such as gears and sprockets.

Holroyd is manufacturing Edgetek machines in all types and configurations, 3, 4 or 5 axes. The machines offer state-of-the-art control features such as Fanuc CNC controls, automated parts handling, customised workholding, cooling systems, programming and process development and CBN wheel development. The machines can be tailored to suit specific applications and supplied as complete turnkey solutions as part of a manufacturing cell. They are supported by a worldwide service network and benefit from manufacturer developed preventative maintenance plans.

For further information please contact: Paul Hannah, Sales Director (Machine Tools and Rotors), Holrod, Harbour Lane North, Milnrow, Rochdale, OL16 3LQ, UK. Tel: +44 (0) 1706 526590; Fax: +44 (0)1706 353350; E-mail: phannah@holroyd.renold.com Web site: www.holroyd.com