When it comes to machining times, combining various machining processes in one setup offers enormous savings potential. With the combination of hard turning and grinding, for example, only the geometries which require greater precision are ground after turning. For this requirement, EMAG developed the VLC 100 GT that efficiently combines vertical turning technology with finish grinding. For chucked components up to 100 mm in diameter, such as gears, single cams and cam rings, pump rings or sprockets, first-grade machining results are achieved with massively reduced cycle times.

The VLC 100 GT integrates combination machining into EMAG’s pick-up concept, where the main spindle is used to load and unload workpieces from the integrated conveyor belt or shuttle. The machining area is easy to equip with a variety of turning and grinding modules. This compact manufacturing system also includes integrated measuring. 

Two machining processes that lend themselves for ideal combination are turning/hard turning and grinding. The first step is to pre- or complete-machine all those component surfaces that can be hard turned and then, without having to change the setup, finish grind all areas that require high-precision geometries. This process has two advantages; the turning process is considerably faster than grinding flat surfaces and wear and tear on the grinding tools is vastly reduced with only finish grinding operations carried out. Since the workpiece is machined in a single setup, the whole process is more efficient than when carried out on two machines. It also results in reduced component costs and guarantees the same, if not better, component quality.

The customer benefits from the flexible configurability of the VLC 100 GT, as it covers a wide range of applications. For example, it can be used as a “conventional” vertical grinding center equipped with two grinding spindles for external and internal grinding, or for combination machining, with an additional block toolholder for hard turning operations. The VLC 100 GT can be equipped with corundum or modern CBN grinding technology and vitrified-bonded CBN grinding wheels can be dressed using a rotating diamond roll. A structure-borne sound system serves as GAP-control between the dressing roll and grinding wheel. An adaptive process control system achieves the shortest possible cycle times.  

All vertical pick-up machines from EMAG feature a machine base made of MINERALIT polymer concrete that stands out for its damping effect, eight-times greater than a cast iron base. This vibration damping quality significantly contributes to the excellent surface finish of the components. Optimal machining quality is achieved with the integrated measuring probe, located between the machining area and pick-up station, where it is not only protected from debris, but allows the measuring process to take place in the same setup, either directly before or after machining to save clamping time. The probe can also be used to take intermediate measurements. 

One example, the machining of sprockets, can clearly display the advantages of combination machining. Once the pick-up spindle has loaded the component, the integral internal grinding spindle performs the first operation. Then the sprocket bore, with its small allowance, is finish ground with CBN. The two block toolholders, present in the machining area, then machine the flat surfaces on the sprocket. The hard turning technology used for this operation not only results in very short machining times, it also ensures that no subsequent operations are necessary. The measuring probe, located between the machining area and the loading station, will now check the machining quality. The whole process takes under 50 seconds and is performed in one clamping operation, underlining the excellent performance of this vertical turning/grinding center.

Whether the VLC 100 GT is used in a production line for the manufacture of large quantities of components, or as a stand-alone, this vertical turning/grinding center offers itself to a vast range of applications.