United Grinding Adds New Robotic Automation Option for Rebuilt Walter Grinders
Appears in Print as: 'New Robotic Automation Option for Rebuilt Tool Grinders'
Customers with older Walter Helitronic Power Series tool grinding machines have option of adding advanced automation technology retrofitted as part of a machine rebuild.
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Edited by Angela Osborne
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United Grinding adds new robotic automation option for rebuilt Walter grinders.
United Grinding is enhancing its machine rebuild and remanufacture services by offering customers with older Walter Helitronic Power Series tool grinding machines the option of new advanced automation technology retrofitted as part of a machine rebuild. The option replaces original gantry beam-type loaders that are now obsolete with faster, more productive FANUC LR Mate 200i robots, the same robots that are featured on new Walter Helitronic machine models.
In addition to speed, the new robots handle an increased number of workpieces/tools, are more compact and consume less energy. They also support the latest Walter Helitronic Tool Studio and Robot Manager software that enables users to load multiple trays with various workpiece diameters for lights-out unattended production.
To enable retrofitting modern automation when rebuilding the machines, Walter reengineered and reconfigured its controls because the original offering lacked the functionality to support today’s robots. Now, as part of a rebuild, United Grinding outfits machines with the new FANUC CNC as well as all-new electrics (FANUC drives and motors) that accommodate the robots and all necessary software.
The new FANUC CNC extends machine lifespan as well as adds features, functions and convenience. It can provide user-friendly conversational programming and advanced functions available on a machine that reached the market before these operator-oriented approaches debuted.
The primary benefit of rebuilding existing equipment through United Grinding North America Rebuild Department is cost. On average, a rebuilt grinding machine costs roughly 25% less than the cost of new equipment. Once rebuilt, a machine looks, works and produces like new with recommissioned geometry, renewed guideways and enhanced precision. Plus, depending on how a company classifies expenses, a rebuilt machine may qualify as a maintenance cost rather than as capital outlay, further contributing to potential savings.
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