Grinding Efficiency
The Needle Grinder, with its auto loader, simplifies the workflow by just requiring the loading of the hopper. Throughout the day, operators have minimal interaction with the equipment, as gauging data is automatically collected and reported to Excel, all while achieving a remarkable grinding time of 1.4 seconds per needle.
When it comes to grinding needles, companies often employ manual processes that involve stacking 150 parts into an expensive stainless steel cartridge, manually carrying them to the machine, loading, pressing a button, and closing the doors. Then comes the monitoring of the grind, voltage adjustments, removing the cartridge, transferring it to a table, unloading the needles, recording dimensions, checking, and repeating the entire process.
In contrast, the Needle Grinder with its auto loader simplifies the workflow by just requiring the loading of the hopper.
Throughout the day, operators have minimal interaction with the equipment, as gauging data is automatically collected and reported to Excel, all while achieving a remarkable grinding time of 1.4 seconds per needle.
Undoubtedly, the Needle Grinder represents a significant technological advancement and an overall improvement in efficiency.
Some customers have inquired about the ease and speed of collet changes, particularly those running consistent production with three or four different needle diameters. The answer is quick, only 90 seconds per collet. However, for customers with shorter production runs, the end effector can be set up with three different collet sizes. They can run one needle size, and with just four button clicks or a simple barcode scan, switch to another part geometry and diameter blank.
Continuing with the efficiency theme, the machine incorporates smart technology to compensate for diameter variations after a single dress per shift, ensuring consistent performance. Additionally, the grinding wheel’s surface footage is dynamically adjusted to maintain optimal grinding efficiency.
In the world of needle post-processing, which typically involves manual labor, such as buffing or heel grinds, the robot and end-of-arm tooling possess the necessary dexterity to perform these tasks. Whether it’s gauging, water blasting to remove feathers, buffing, or any other required operation, the robot can handle it with precision.