All New Studer S12

In order to achieve precision in the range of tenths of a micron, one must operate in the area of hundredths of a micron — a further step toward nanometer precision grinding. Such precision is now possible with the latest addition to the Studer line of cylindrical grinders for small and medium-size high-precision components, the S12. 

Designed for Precision

The basic design of the S12 features a distance between centers of 150 mm, a center height of 175 mm and a grinding wheel diameter of 500 mm.  X-axis:  hydrostatic with linear motor or linear guideways with recirculating ball screws.  Z-axis: hydrostatic with linear motor or patented guideways with knob-structure and recirculating ball screws. The heart of the machine is a completely new, patented drive/guide system based on high-precision positionable linear motors. The extremely rigid guidetables with hydrostatic bearings are magnetically pretensioned. The infeed movement can be programmed in 10-nanometer steps. The linear motors enable in-feed speeds of up to 30 m/min with an acceleration of up to 3 m/sec².  The thermal stability of the overall system is ensured by an integral cooling system which keeps the motors, hydrostatics and electronic components at constant temperatures. The basic prerequisite for reaching highly controllable precision grinding dimensions is the Granitan S103 machine bed whose vibration damping and temperature stability have stood the test in Studer machines for over 30 years. 

Flexibility and Value

The S12 can be flexibly adapted to customers needs due to its modular configuration, permitting simultaneous external and internal grinding, as well as centerless grinding. Grinding spindles with a wide performance range provide ideal conditions for various grinding technologies, such as CBN or high-speed grinding (HSG). All conventional dressing methods may be used, such as profile roll dressing and continuous dressing. Special features addressing the workpiece side include a high-precision C axis, cylinder correction and a workhead with hydrostatic bearings and synchronous drive technology. The internal grinding spindle is on a separate cross slide for simultaneous grinding of internal and external diameters.  An additional NC-axis is provided for the profiling of the grinding wheel. Automatic tool changing systems and parts loading and unloading are standard. The new StuderWIN control unit, based on the Siemens 840D, facilitates quick and simple programming, via on screen set-up and correction as well as the central control and operation of all peripheral units, such as loading systems, in-process gaging, a balancing system and sensor technology. Programming is supported by StuderGRIND software with its extensive technology database. Programming can done off-line on an external PC. 

Ergonomics and Maintenance

The new S12 features a very compact design with a footprint of just 4 m². A wide lift door ensures optimum access to the working area. Large service doors simplify the operator's work and enable automated loading systems from either side of the machine and the linking together of several units into grinding cells.  The S12 has pneumatic and hydraulic units, which are integrated into the machine in an independent manner in vibration and thermal terms. This makes the machine extremely easy to maintain and also permits optimum use of the available production area. With the introduction of the new S12 cylindrical grinding machine, Studer continues to set new standards for precision, speed and flexibility, ensuring that its customers can carry out safe and reliable production processes without loss of competitiveness.