GrindNEP – Cutting edge preparation directly on
your CNC tool grinding machine

Accurate preparation of cutting edges is now an essential factor in producing modern cutting tools, enabling a significant increase in tool life. Unfortunately, all solutions up to now have either required a considerable financial investment for the procurement of special machines and/or have offered little flexibility when generating the desired preparation size or a specific shape. Flexibility is very important, however, especially in the preparation of drilling tools, where an enormous variety of sizes and shapes needs to be covered.

 

NPiTec has addressed this issue by developing GrindNEP. It is now possible to prepare cutting edges on a wide variety of tool types (drills, end mills, reamers, etc.) directly on the CNC tool grinding machine in a simple, reliable and efficient manner, using a precisely controlled brushing movement. In addition to the size of the cutting edge preparation, its shape and symmetry (k-factor) can also be accurately controlled.

Using the ‘External Path Calculation’ interface provided by the relevant grinding software, GrindNEP accesses all relevant tool geometry data and provides the user with a graphical user interface specially developed by NPiTec. This allows the user to adjust all relevant process parameters as well as manage programs and brushes. The calculated results are then automatically transferred to the grinding software as a movement path that is specifically adapted for the brushing process.

With GrindNEP, NPiTec has set itself the goal of making cutting edge preparation accessible to EVERYONE, from oneperson regrinding companies to large tool manufacturers. As a customer, you benefit from regular software updates to expand functionality, combined with extensive expert knowledge and a direct contact person. GrindNEP is already in use in a wide range of machine environments, representing an alternative to conventional standalone systems such as brushing robots or drag finishing machines, and has consistently proven itself thanks to its many advantages and high level of usability.

We are also pleased to assist our customers at all times with any questions they may have about measurement technology relating to cutting edge preparation.

Results

GrindNEP enables you to produce rounded edges in the range of approx. 5 to 100 μm economically, flexibly and easily. By means of the best movement path and the associated adjustment options, the shape of the rounded edges can be specifically controlled in terms of roundness and symmetry (k-factor).

Process reliability

Our wealth of expertise in the preparation of cutting edges and the use of special high-performance brushes, coupled with optimised movement control, mean that we can maximise process reliability with GrindNEP.

This process reliability forms the basis for efficient, reproducible and process-integrated preparation of cutting edges in your tool grinding machine:

Our brushes

High-performance brushes specially developed and optimised for use on CNC tool grinding machines:

• Base body with solid, stable flange and precise bore for high concentricity
• Balanced for smooth running and protection of the grinding spindle
• Reduced non-productive times through parallel
  mounting on the grinding wheel package
• Diamond-tipped filaments with ground ends for reliable and optimally reproducible results in edge preparation
• Batch tracking of the brushes to meet the highest
  quality standards
• Optional reconditioning to save costs and protect
  the environment
• Various versions available, depending on the intended use

Your advantages at a glance

Prerequisites

The following technical requirements must be met in order to make use of GrindNEP:

■ Grinding software supported by GrindNEP
We are happy to provide information on supported systems at any time upon request. We are also continuously working on integrating further types of grinding software.
■ ‘External path calculation’ option
Depending on the type of grinding software, this option may already be included as standard or may need to be activated separately. We would be happy to provide further information on request.
■ It should be possible to set a minimum grinding spindle speed of 500 rpm

Info: Any grinding software options that need to be activated can usually be made available for testing
purposes, following consultation with us and in agreement with the machine manufacturer.

So, please do not hesitate to arrange a free, no-obligation testing appointment with us.