Sprocket Production with the Hard-turn and Grinding Combination Machine

The combination of different processes within a single machine and a single setup offers enormous savings potential in terms of cycle times. With the machining of chucked components up to 100 mm in diameter, including for example, gears, cam rings, sprockets, pump rings and individual cams, massive time savings can be realized while still achieving top-quality machining results.

Sprockets are especially suitable for machining on a VLC 100 GT.

A specific example makes the quality of the VLC 100 GT crystal clear. The benefits of combination machining are immediately visible when one considers sprocket production. After the machine is automatically loaded by means of the pick-up spindle, initial machining begins with the integrated internal grinding spindle. Drilling the sprocket wheel allows minimal allowance and is finish-ground with CBN. The end faces of the sprocket are machined with the two steel block holders also located in the production area. Employing hard turning technology for machining not only facilitates very short production times, it also requires no post-production step. The machining quality of the sprocket is then checked using a probe located between the production area and the loading station. The high performance of the vertical turning and grinding center is underscored by the fact that the entire process takes less than 50 seconds to complete.

With the VLC 100 GT, EMAG has created a system for the combination machining of sprockets that delivers impressive performance despite its compact construction. Loading by means of the pick-up spindle and use of cutting-edge grinding technology in combination with turning operations, in brief: the entire machine is designed for performance, as demonstrated by the sprocket example above. Whether in series production or as a standalone version, the VLC 100 GT from EMAG is a vertical turning and grinding center for a wide range of applications.