Precision Technologies Group company, Holroyd Precision Limited, has received orders for two of its ‘next generation’ Zenith 400 helical profile grinding machines from one of China’s leading specialists in ice systems and industrial cooling technologies.

Scheduled for delivery to China’s Fujian Province later this year, the machines are together valued at £2.75 million. They will be used to precision grind some 100 compressor rotors, each measuring up to 250 mm in diameter, per day.

“We are delighted to have received such significant machine orders from such a well-respected refrigeration specialist,” comments Holroyd Precision Limited’s Sales Manager, Steven Benn. “Whilst the customer in question is well aware of the immense benefits that the Holroyd Zenith 400 models will bring to their manufacturing capabilities, the simple fact that both machines are required in such a short timeframe speaks volumes for the considerable confidence they have in our ability to not only build industry-leading machine tools, but also meet the tightest of deadlines.”

Launched at EMO Hannover 2011, Holroyd’s Zenith 400 helical profile grinder quickly caught the eye of screw compressor manufacturers seeking superior, ultra-precise grinding solutions.

Developed to precision grind components weighing up to 700 kg and measuring up to 420 mm in diameter and 2.2 meters in length, the Zenith 400 combines high stock removal rates and aggressive semi-finishing, with production rates and accuracies tailored to the most demanding of manufacturing strategies.

Holroyd’s Zenith 400 ultra-precise helical profile grinder has the capability to use aluminium oxide, ‘diamond hard’ plated Cubic Boron Nitride (CBN) and vitrified, dressable CBN grinding technologies – effectively providing roughing and finishing capabilities on one machine.

In addition to equipping its Chinese customer with two Zenith 400 models, Holroyd Precision Limited will also be providing the ice systems specialist with the Holroyd Profile Management System (HPMS).

“We were extremely pleased to also be able to demonstrate the significant benefits provided by the HPMS suite,” adds Benn. “Offering opportunities for improving a profile’s machineability, reliability and efficiency, HPMS consists of a family of sub-programs that are used in the development and control of a wide range of helical profiles for screw rotors, vacuum and pump screws. During the production cycle, HPMS can even be used to modify the shape of the cutting tool, in order to achieve as near as possible to a perfect profile.”