Configurable Machine Achieves Flexible Cutting Tool Production, Regrinding

Whether producing complete cutting tools or regrinding, the Helitronic Mini Plus from Walter, a brand of United Grinding, is designed to fit customers’ needs as a cost-effective basic machine or as a fully automated cutting tool grinding system.

“The basic version of the Helitronic Mini Plus can be individually configured with numerous efficiency options and various loading systems — right up to a fully equipped high-end [cutting] tool grinding machine for all current and future applications in the small- and medium-diameter range,” Siegfried Hegele, product manager applications at Walter, explains.

The basis for the flexibility of the Helitronic Mini Plus is the gantry design unique to Walter, the company says. The economical production of common and complex geometries of cutting tools with a diameter range of 1-16 mm (0.04-0.63") in one clamping is made possible by the HSK belt spindle with two spindle ends for up to six grinding wheels. In addition, the C.O.R.E. hardware and software architecture facilitates user-friendly machine setup, operation, networking and maintenance.

Walter offers a range of options for the Helitronic Mini Plus for application-specific configuration. These include, for example, an automatic grinding wheel changer for up to six grinding wheel holders (maximum diameter 152.4 mm/6") including coolant supply lines, which promotes a safe wheel set change and offers flexibility. In addition, for machines equipped with the grinding wheel changer, a “torque increase” option is available which increases torque and removal rate by up to 60%, intended to provide maximum productivity.

For the automation of the Helitronic Mini Plus, users can choose between a top loader and a robot loader with three different equipment packages, offering additional flexibility.