At the recent EMO exhibition, sharpening expert Vollmer demonstrated the new VHybrid 360 grinding and erosion machine. This next-generation machine combines grinding and electro-erosion technology with the experience that Vollmer has accumulated in its history.

The new VHybrid 360 grinding and corrosion machine can be used to machine solid carbide or PCD tools in a single setup. VHybrid 360 not only provides tool manufacturers with high efficiency in reducing machining time, but also provides maximum accuracy. 

Extensive automatic settings can realize unmanned production around the clock. With the new Vollmer tool manager, users can intuitively manage the automatic switching of up to 8 grinding wheels or electro-erosion wheels.

For grinding and corroding tools

The VHybrid 360 from Swabian grinding and corrosion machine specialists enables tool manufacturers to grind and corrode cemented carbide and PCD tools such as drills, milling cutters or reamers in a combined setting. 

VHybrid 360 is based on multi-layer processing, realized by two vertically arranged spindles. Here, Vollmer is using the tried and tested technology of its VGrind grinding machine series. For VHybrid 360, the bottom spindle can be used for grinding and electro-erosion, while the top spindle is dedicated to grinding.

The best of the two worlds

With VHybrid 360, Volmer not only combines the advantages of grinding and electro-erosion, but also further develops proven technology. In the field of erosion, Vollmer has absorbed the knowledge gained by using different series of wire and wheel erosion machines for more than 3 years. 

The key component is the VPulse EDM corrosion generator, which sets new standards in terms of efficiency and surface quality. 

At the same time, in the field of grinding, the ultra-modern machine concept of the VGrind series ensures high-precision machining. The two spindles of the VHybrid 360 are arranged vertically on the pivot point of the C axis. This guarantees high profile accuracy and enables precise grinding and corrosion processes. In addition, tool processing time can be reduced, thanks to a shorter linear axis movement distance, thanks to the unique spindle arrangement.

Make tool production more flexible

VHybrid 360 can be used to produce different types of cutting tools for processing in wood, metal or composite materials. Volmer machine tools give tool manufacturers the flexibility to perform a comprehensive grinding and corrosion process on standard and special tools-whether the blank is made of cemented carbide, sintered PCD or brazed diamond bits. 

The machine tool can process tools up to 50mm in diameter and 360mm in length. Depending on the configuration of the grinding wheel or rotating electrode, larger diameters are also possible. Optional brackets ensure the stability of long tools, and the new five-axis control ensures precise execution of the grinding and etching processes.

Simplified operation and unmanned operation

A series of automation solutions can realize all-weather unmanned processing. For example, the HC4 chain tool magazine can hold up to 39 HSK 63A tool holders. In addition, in the process managed in VHybrid 360, up to eight grinding and electro-erosion wheels (including coolant supply) can be replaced fully automatically. 

Thanks to the newly developed Vollmer Tool Manager, this is the first time it is available. With this, machine operators can intuitively and easily select grinding and electrode sets using drag and drop options.

The combined grinding and etching machine is based on the established Vollmer control panel concept and has a height-adjustable rotating touch screen. 

The grinding and corrosion processes are programmed, simulated and monitored by ExLevel PRO 3D software. You can use the Volmer multi-function handwheel to select and move the axis. In addition, the machine has a dressing device for rotating electrodes and an integrated grinding wheel probe for ultra-precision calibration of grinding and electro-erosion grinding wheel packages during processing.

"Today's tool manufacturers are usually their customers' development partners, participating in the tool planning stage from the beginning to achieve efficient machining of various materials," said Dr. Stefan Brand, CEO of the Walmer Group. "Moreover, whether you need cemented carbide or diamond tools, the hybrid processing technology in our VHybrid 360 can accurately process a variety of rotating tools, such as drills, milling cutters or reamers."

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