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by Ray Chalmers > Contributing Editor ofers a 1300-mm maximum grinding length, programmable B-axis, automatic swiveling workpiece table, and in-process gauging and sensing. A PC is integrated into the CNC control system. According to the company, the possibility of fully integrating in-process gauging and sensor technology for process monitor- ing as well as contact detection and automatic balancing systems in the control enable standardized program- ming of the diferent systems. "Dedicated machines are more and more being relegated to the past in favor of fexible and universal equipment, largely driven by both machine design and software," says Hans Ueltschi, vice president of United Grinding's cylindrical division. "Customers are increasingly seeing the value of being able to adjust the process more on their own." One of the test pieces set up for the S151 was grinding the internal diameter on Here's a look at some productive grinding equipment that combines precision with productivity. Grinding for automotive is a high- precision game, and the requirements are only getting higher, Kevin Chen, automotive accounts manager, United Grinding ( grinding.com ) says. Take the example of continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), in which the key components all require high-precision grinding after machining. United Grinding responds with the Studer S22 and S41 models: high- volume production machines suitable for CVT key components grinding. The S41, a CNC universal cylindrical grinding machine, has high-precision axis drives with linear motors, fast direct-drive of the B-axis, and a large selection of wheelhead variants. Both the S22 and the S41, diferentiated by their maximum center heights (125mm and 275 mm, respectively) and distance between centers (400 mm and 1600 mm) can accommodate up to four grinding wheels, so internal, external, and any other custom grinding requirements (forms, threads, contours, etc.) can be met in one clamping. A direct-drive turret wheelhead has 0.00005-in. resolution, and standard interfaces for loaders or other peripheral devices further accentuate automation aspects. A recent addition to the S41 universal grinding machine is an optional tilting A-axis for grinding threads of various pitches. Useful for lead screws, ballscrews, and steering gear drives, A-axis availability on a universal machine eliminates added clampings and part handling on dedicated thread- grinding equipment. An S41 can even be equipped with two A-axis heads, meaning that rough grinding and thread grinding can be done in the same clamping, in addition to both internal and external thread grinding. Not only can they perform thread grinding, but they can also—depending on the grinding head variant (S41)—perform complete machining operations. For cylindrical grinding applications, Studer has developed the S151 which p The S41 universal grinder. AD&P; > November 2015 > FEATURE > Developments in Precision Grinding > Ray Chalmers 42