News
VSG-X2 - CNC Valve Seat Grinding Machines
Earlsdon Technology Ltd of Coventry, England have recently shipped a further three CNC Valve Seat Grinding machines to a large manufacturer of automotive Engine Valves. This brings the number of machines of this type shipped since Earlsdon first launched the VSG-X range in 2002 to eighteen. The machines have been shipped to 5 different manufacturing sites on 4 different continents.
In-line with Earlsdon's policy of continuous improvement, the latest VSG-X2 machines have a number of improvements over the earlier VSG-X1 model including: improved access, enhancements to the coolant system, and additional 'quick-change' features.
The machine is believed to be the first to offer a fixed loading and unloading position for all valve lengths and seat angles and to have 'Left hand' and 'Right hand' versions to suit customers cell layouts. It is also one of the fastest machines commercially available with production rates up to 15 parts per minute, together with excellent capability for all critical characteristics.
Standard features of the machine include:• Automatic loading and unloading.
• Siemens 2 axis CNC system with Profibus network, digital servo drives and absolute encoders.
• Modem link for remote diagnostics.
• Valve Location from either the tip end or the back face.
• Automatic grinding wheel dressing and size compensation after dressing.
• Automatic electronic grinding wheel balancing.
• Variable-speed collet spindle.
• Variable-speed grinding spindle with DC injection braking.
• Conversational operator interface available in several languages.
• Wide range of valve sizes with quick changeover.
• Soft-handling of valves to prevent marking.
• Small footprint
Special options include:
• A semi-automatic version for small batch environments.
• A larger grinding spindle with speeds up to 3000 rpm for hi-tech SG and TG grinding wheels.
• High pressure coolant system.
- February 2004