FLAT GRINDER EVEN MORE PRECISE AND ENERGY EFFICIENT AFTER UPGRADE

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ACC42SA-iQ

With the ACC42-SAiQ CNC surface and profile grinding machine, grinding machine manufacturer Okamoto has successfully launched a powerful and compact cross-table machine solution for flexible, universal use in tool and mold making, for both single-part and series production. Now, Okamoto presents the next development stage of this versatile machine: Thanks to the motorized table drive instead of hydraulic cylinders, users can now grind even more precisely and energy-efficiently. The switch to FANUC controls makes the intelligent iQ control software, which allows even inexperienced operators to easily program complex grinding processes, even more versatile and user-friendly.

The compact cross-table design makes the ACC42-SAiQ, with a grinding length of 400 mm and a grinding width of 200 mm, a versatile grinding machine suitable for applications such as tool and mold making, enabling the economical surface and profile grinding of small components. Thanks to its cross-table design, the worktable can be moved in two axes. This makes the ACC42 iQ flexible for various grinding tasks, allowing for precise positioning and grinding of workpieces. The table-mounted profile dresser enables the production of virtually all profiles used in tool and mold making.

Instead of the original hydraulic cylinder, the ACC42 SAiQ is now equipped with a motorized table drive. This is powered by an AC servo motor and a ball screw. This allows for more precise, smoother, and more energy-efficient movement, ultimately enabling even more accurate positioning compared to the hydraulic table movement. Patrick Glasstetter, Head of Service at Okamoto, explains: “This further improves the grinding function at up to five positions on the table, each with different heights and widths, compared to previous models. In addition to better energy efficiency and precision, the motorized table drive also reduces maintenance requirements compared to the hydraulic system.”

Instead of improved energy efficiency and precision, the motorized table drive reduces maintenance requirements compared to the hydraulic system. The special V-V guide for stable, precise movement of the longitudinal and transverse axes, as well as the low-maintenance, automatic lubrication of all axes, have been retained. This reduces wear and guarantees consistently high, repeatable accuracy.

The innovative iQ control technology, integrated into the ACC42 SAiQ, controls two NC axes simultaneously. Users can set all positions at any time, even during operation, using the teach-in function on the color screen with interactive guidance. Thanks to the touchscreen and user interface, programming even complex grinding processes no longer requires in-depth knowledge of grinding technology. Therefore, iQ is easy to operate even for untrained users, as the software automatically sets the optimal grinding conditions, among other features. With iQ, programming and training times for employees are significantly reduced.

Intelligent iQ control technology even more versatile

As part of the transition to FANUC controls, the iQ software has also been further improved: Numerous new functions are now available. Based on feedback from numerous users, it has also been made even more user-friendly. Furthermore, the display on the individual screens is now sharper, and the control system’s response time is significantly reduced. The vast majority of grinding and dressing tasks can be set and edited directly on the screen using easily understandable symbols. Only the values ​​need to be entered; no text-based programming is required.

Patrick Glasstetter: “With the new generation ACC42 SAiQ, both individual pieces and large batches can be processed flexibly. And this is achieved in the shortest possible time and with outstanding surface finishes.”