Quoting grinding jobs precisely and accurately has become more difficult that ever. Now StuderGrind simplifies job quoting and production for shops of all sizes.

For Example . . .

A shop receives an RFQ that includes a DXF format drawing of a part that requires the grinding of several seats. The customer needs an answer quickly about the feasibility, cost, and deadline.

With StuderGrind, the shop can make a graphic representation of the machine with the necessary tooling, using the data provided by the customer. After tooling, each grinding wheel is moved "virtually" to its working position. The operator then marks out the working area to check whether the grinding wheels will be able to reach the required positions on the workpiece and to establish the position of the dressers. With graphic support, the operator can very quickly decide whether the machine geometry is suitable for the part, without first having to set up the machine.

"Once he has confirmed that the project is feasible," says Dave Barber, marketing manager, "his next job is to calculate the processing time involved. To do this, he creates a functioning grinding program using Studer tried-and-tested Pictogramming technology." The process parameters can now be initialized using the tables supplied with the basic program, or another option known as grinding technology support, which goes much further, integrating such factors as the properties of the grinding wheel and material being machined, the grinding forces generated, and many other factors.

Now the display shows the total processing time required, including downtime, feed time, and dressing time. Production costs are calculated directly on the basis of current job rates, tool costs, and energy costs, and an estimate is generated in Excel format. When the job comes into the shop's production department, the operator downloads the data and drawing directly to his PC workstation, which is connected to the machine. The machine operator can retool the machine quickly and simply using the diagram of the virtual machining area in StuderGrind.

The part is now preground to its approximate size, measured and corrected where necessary, and then precision-ground to its exact dimensions.

Archiving

In workpiece-linked data archiving, all programs, subprograms, and additional documentation, such as digital photographs of the setup and chucking arrangements, are automatically assigned to the workpiece in question, guaranteeing immediate retrieval and reproducibility at any time.

Existing Studer programming systems are directly integrated in the new application.