Tool Grinders Increase Accuracy with Shaft Linear Motors

ANCA’s FX Linear series of CNC tool and cutter grinders are designed to increase accuracy and reduce maintenance using ANCA-designed tubular shaft linear motors. According to the company, the machines enable higher productivity, lower operating costs, and greater tool and cutter quality. The machine range includes ANCA RN33 programming software and uses drive technology. Features also include the company’s LinX Linear motors and touchpad user interface, high-performance CNC, remote pendant, AMD5x servo devices and IO box, all with EtherCAT technology.

ANCA’s FX Linear machines serve a broad industry spectrum from light manufacturing, regrinding, and full production. Its productivity range is for tools with diameters as high as 12 mm (½"), it offers grinding capabilities for tool diameters as high as 200 mm, and its maximum wheel diameter is 8".

The compact grinding wheel is positioned on the C-axis center line is said to reduce the temperature influence on machine elements. Additionally, the company says, the polymer-concrete base results in a thermally stable and rigid machine.

The FX machines are equipped with LinX Linear motors providing axis motion in the X and Y axes while the vertical Z axis uses a preloaded ballscrew to move the grinding head. The motor is designed to isolate heating effects and enable the use of grinding coolant for temperature control, eliminating the need for a separate coolant and chiller system. The motors operate at a speed of 50 m/min. and are said to reduce issues with ballscrew wear, loss of preload or rigidity, and  

The FX5 Linear features an automated two-wheel changer for increased range of wheels and tool types, and includes optional automatic headstock clamping with a compact loader that enables unattended operation. Although it does not provide the automation options of its sister models, the FX3 Linear model is said to be a good entry-level machine for CNC tool and cutter grinding.