How Our Perfect Grinder Has Boosted our Grinding Services
Business is growing here at Precision Edge, your specialist producer of high quality machine knives and industrial blades for the packaging industry. As a result, in changes to our product range and our growth – especially in export sales – we have seen an increased need to improve productivity in our grinding section.
Grinding is a key function for us as we continue to supply our blue chip and household clients in the wrapping, food processing and recycling sectors.
After researching our options we came to the conclusion that we needed a column-type surface grinder and contacted Erith-based RK International Machine Tools about their Perfect PFG50-150 ADP PLC surface grinder from Erith-based RK International Machine Tools. Since taking the plunge the grinder has proved well worth our investment! Here are just some of the benefits we’ve seen from our Perfect machine:
Larger capacity
The Perfect grinder’s 500mm x 1500 mm table capacity has allowed us to undertake larger grinding work with ease, giving us the flexibility to grind larger components to much smaller tolerances. We have seen very positive results from grinding numerous different materials including stainless steel, tool steel and several powder metallurgy grades. Any machine that helps us refine our precise machining techniques is a godsend.
Easy machine control
The machine is one of the first of its size in the UK to feature a touch screen PLC control system, making controlling the machine extremely simple. Setting up complex processes like automated dressing and compensation cycles is now a doddle.
Automatic system
One particular feature of the PLC control that appealed to us was the automatic shutdown system, which allows the grinder to complete its cycle then automatically shut itself down. Due to the length of the grinding process, this luxury is a rarity compared to machining centres and has helped to maximise the time we have for production out of opening hours.
Long life
The grinder’s wheel spindle is a 10hp cartridge-type sealed unit capable of achieving an impressive 1450 revolutions per minute. Despite its power, the spindle is also extremely accurate – sealed and lubricated for extended life. With the whole machine weighing almost eight tonnes, our Perfect grinder is a highly robust machine that can live up to the output that we want to achieve.
The Perfect grinder’s arrival at Precision Edge has had a positive impact on our business with the machine’s versatility and ease of use allowing us to expand our production and develop new products. We are now being contacted by local engineering companies to undertake sub-contract work, an option we had never been able to consider before due to our limited capacity.
Our thanks in this instance must go to RK International. We were unaware of the company before but have been delighted with the training and support we received both prior to and after our purchase. RK will be our first port of call in the future for grinding requirements and we recommend that you consider them too!
If you’d like us to use our Perfect grinder to create the perfect precision edge and machine blade for you, why not get in touch with us via our quick contact form? We will aim to get back to you within 24 hours and would be delighted to answer any questions you may have.
