At the Apex Tool Group GmbH (ATG) the S31 grinding machine from Studer is proving truly universal. From individual parts to series runs, it grinds shafts for Cleco assembly tools, an ATG Power & Hand Tool brand.
The showroom at Apex Tool Group boasts a range of different assembly tools from the Cleco brand. These include pneumatic and electric screwdrivers, either corded or with rechargeable batteries.
As Niko Schindelarz, Supervisor Machining, explains: “Many manufacturers consider Cleco assembly tools to be very high quality and a major contribution to this is the extensive vertical integration at Apex. The company produces essential screwdriver components and this applies to motor and gear shafts, levers, valves and cams.”
Flexible for variants and individual features
“Due to a large number of variants, we need components in small series and even individual pieces at very short notice,” explains Johannes Mäule, Production Engineer. This applies to all production steps from turning, drilling and milling through to grinding. “We need to grind our motor and gear shafts to just a few µm. This is essential to ensure the extremely quiet running and long service life of our screwdrivers,” adds Niko Schindelarz.
This was very complex until recently. Only one proven grinding machine from the early 1980s was available for cylindrical grinding. To grind the large number of 30 to 650mm long shafts with diameters from 3 to 65mm, it was necessary to manually reset the machine. “It was increasingly uneconomical. Set-up times generally took 2 to 3 times as long as the machining times,” explains Johannes Mäule.
Generation transition
With the changing technical environment, the company decided to invest. “We need the latest future-oriented technology to be an attractive employer and inspire new talent to come and work in our company,” adds Niko Schindelarz. After comprehensive comparisons of different machine concepts, the company invested in a Studer S31 universal cylindrical grinder.
As Niko Schindelarz explains: “It was necessary to carefully prepare the requirement analysis to obtain the necessary budget from the commercial manager in the US. We demonstrated the operational benefits that the higher initial investment will quickly prove profitable.”
The production engineers in Westhausen can now grind the entire range of shafts on just one machine. The S31 cylindrical grinding machine is easily accessible for workpiece and grinding wheel set-up. Agreeing with the machine operators, Niko Schindelarz praises the ergonomics. “The production engineers benefit from much shorter set-up times in comparison to previous grinding machines. The special Quick-Set function only available on Studer grinding machines makes an essential contribution.”
Cornelius Wecht, responsible for Studer sales in South Germany, reports: “Thanks to Quick-Set, the control stores the precise dimensions of all grinding wheels. This means you can quickly set up frequently used and repeatedly dressed grinding wheels and use them again immediately. The control knows the dimensions after mounting the grinding wheel and there is no requirement for re-measuring or dressing on the machine.”
The S31 cylindrical grinding machine at Apex has a wheel head with a B-axis that can swivel in steps of 1°. It comes with two spindle drives, one equipped with a grinding wheel for straight plunging and the other for angular plunging. This also contributes to short set-up times and maximum flexibility, making the machine a truly universal proposition
