Cylindrical Grinding Machines

Modern Machine Shop, Dec, 2000 by Elizabeth M. McPhail

The company recently introduced the Kel-Vista cylindrical grinding machine, a CNC alternative to hydraulically controlled machines. It was designed for both CNC and manual machining for the throughput of different lot sizes and prototype jobs. It is said to be useful for operators with limited or no CNC knowledge. The machine features a GE Fanuc 21i-T control unit and includes the Kel-Easy menu-based teach software.

Two models are offered, the R 175/1000 with OD grinding wheelhead and the UR 175/1000 with OD/ID grinding wheelhead. The swiveling Wheelheads with manual Hirth-coupling provide indexing for straight- and angle-plunge grinding in any 2.5-degree increment. Both machine models offer a center height of 6.9"/175 mm and a between centers distance of 39.37"/1,000 mm. The swiveling workhead with thermally optimized bearings is useful for live/dead center spindle and chucking applications.

The machines were designed to use floor space efficiently, the company says. The complete separation between the machine base and machine enclosure enhances grinding accuracy by keeping undesirable heat and vibration from the workpiece. Easy operator access to the grinding area allows simple part loading and unloading.

Options include gap control measuring units, active orpassive flagging devices, balancing units, swivel-angle display for workhead, tailstock, micro-adjustment and more.