HAAS Schleifmaschinen GmbH has developed a tool magazine with space for 70 grinding wheels and 20 coolant nozzles for use with its Multigrind CA and CB grinding machines, transforming high-tech grinding centers into self-equipping production units.
Haas grinding machines are well known for their exceptional performance and versatility, which are further enhanced by generously sized Haas tool changers. For instance, the double-wheel changer of the Multigrind CB holds twelve grinding wheels, each with a diameter of 300mm. Users can equip the patented double-wheel pickup changer of the Multigrind CA with up to 14 grinding wheels, each with a diameter of 250mm.
Large tool magazine for automated production
To ensure grinding machines can produce autonomously for as long as possible, all of the grinding wheels and milling cutters required for processing a variety of workpieces or ranges of workpieces need to be stored inside the tool magazine and incorporated into the grinding software. Blanks and finished workpieces are stored in the robot cell and automatically loaded and unloaded by the robot. The grinding machine production unit is controlled using the Multigrind Horizon grinding software, also a Haas product. All of the process-relevant production data is collected and processed here and, if necessary, can be accessed or transmitted to a production planning system, ensuring the customer has an overview of the production status at all times.
After around one year of development time, the new Haas tool magazine was purchased by the first customer in April 2017 and unveiled to the general public at GrindDate, the in-house Haas trade fair, in late April. It proved to be popular among visitors interested in technology.
Tool change in ten seconds
In combination with the Multigrind CB grinding machine, the new Haas tool magazine (2,000mm × 2,400mm × 3,200mm) offers space for 65 grinding wheels, each with a diameter of 300mm. When used with the Multigrind CA grinding machine, the shelf magazine can be equipped with up to 70 grinding wheels, each with a diameter of 250mm. The magazine can also hold up to 20 coolant nozzles. The tool magazine stands on four leveling feet at the back of the grinding machine, but is not mechanically connected to it. The grinding machine interface is the grinding machine shuttle table, which replaces the normal tool changer. The shuttle table takes over grinding wheel and coolant nozzle handling with a linear and swivel axis in the grinding machine workspace. The tool magazine’s linear handling is responsible for transporting grinding wheels and coolant nozzles.
The linear axes offer a speed of 60m/min and acceleration of 5m/s2. It only takes 10 sec to change the tool with the new tool magazine, which is loaded via the loading door. All of the required grinding wheels and coolant nozzles are lined up one behind the other, selected by the handling system, and placed at the specified location. A safety door protects the tool magazine from oil mist in the workspace.