Glebar’s CAM.3 Micro Grinder Offers Multi-Axis Motion Control

Glebar Company’s CAM.3 micro grinder is designed to provide precision grinding capabilities for the medical device industry. The CAM.3 is said to feature faster speeds and feeds, a larger diameter wheel, increased capability and digital connectivity. It is said to be suited for manufacturing applications such as medical guidewires with flats, multiple tapers, hex shapes and other complex geometries. The company says the CAM.3 also offers additional capability suited for K wires, bone pins and other orthopedic and sports medicine implants, instruments and single-use disposable products.

According to the company, the CAM.3 can accurately grind lengths ranging from 0.005" to 0.375" in diameter. The 16" grinding wheel is mounted on a servo spindle with ABEC 7-spindle bearings with a capability of reaching over 20,944 sfpm. The machine can be fitted with a 6-axis robot within the enclosure, and its workhead can also be tilted up to 5 degrees to grind sharp corners and true threads. A dual-carriage, linear motor feed system powers the collets.

Built on a 6,500-lb. mineral cast base for vibration damping, the CAM.3 is said to easily produce parts repeatedly to submicron accuracy. The positioning of the work wheel, main spindle and the collets can be programmed using the touchscreen HMI, which features a large 16:9 aspect ratio. IIoT-enabled sensors can be built in to monitor temperature, pressure and vibration of key mechanical components.

The enclosure includes safety interlocks, and the machine is CE-certified for the European market. The base includes embedded air and oil lines. The electrical enclosure includes a built-in AC cooling system. The CAM.3 comes with MTConnect capability and is OPC UA compliant. Its controller can be expanded to add peripherals such as loaders, inspection gages and other automation types.