To further enhance the overall customer benefits of its machine rebuild and remanufacture services, UNITED GRINDING North America now offers customers with older WALTER HELITRONIC POWER Series tool grinding machines the option of new advanced automation technology seamlessly retrofitted as part of a machine rebuild. The option replaces original gantry beam-type loaders that are now obsolete with faster, more productive FANUC LR Mate 200i robots, the same as are featured on brand new WALTER HELITRONIC machine models.
In addition to speed, the new robots handle an increased number of workpieces/tools, are more compact and consume less energy. They also support the latest WALTER HELITRONIC Tool Studio and Robot Manager software that allows users to load multiple trays with various workpiece diameters for lights out unattended production.
To allow for retrofitting modern automation when rebuilding the machines, WALTER reengineered and reconfigured its controls because the original offering lacked the functionality to support today’s robots. Now, as part of a rebuild, UNITED GRINDING outfits machines with the new FANUC CNC as well as all new electrics (FANUC drives and motors) that accommodate the robots and all necessary software.
The new FANUC CNC extends machine lifespan as well as adds features, functions and convenience. They can provide user-friendly conversational programming and advanced functions available on a machine that reached the market before these operator-oriented approaches debuted.
The primary benefit of rebuilding existing equipment through UNITED GRINDING North America Rebuild Department is cost. On average, a rebuilt grinding machine costs roughly 75% of new equipment. Once rebuilt, a machine looks, works and produces like new, with recommissioned geometry, renewed guideways and enhanced precision. Plus, depending on how a company classifies expenses, a rebuilt machine may qualify as a maintenance cost rather than as capital outlay, further contributing to potential savings.
