Fuel-efficient engines, incredibly accurate machine tools and productive turbines for power generation all require the highest level of surface and profile grinding precision – and the need to beat the competition and satisfy demanding customers means it has to happen fast.

Whether it’s series production for high-volume grinding needs or small-batch production for a higher mix of low-volume jobs, today’s grinding machine controls play a key role, and those that are most effective feature operating systems and a variety of software packages developed by the grinding experts to offer outstanding ease of use. Taking such benefits even further, BLOHM’s grinding machine controls and software are easily customizable to fit any manufacturer’s unique part-processing needs.

BLOHM surface and profile grinding machines feature cutting-edge human-machine interface (HMI) software – designed around Siemens’ SINUMERIK 840D line of control solutions – that provide software modules tailor-made for specific industries, such as program cycles developed for the tool and die industry. Typical grinding operations are built directly into the control, such as a quick start tool for reciprocate grinding programs, while others are available as optional grinding cycle packages, including roughing operations, plunge grinding, face grinding and more. For further convenience, the controls make it simple to integrate additional machine functions, from frequency-controlled coolant pumps and automatic coolant nozzle trace systems to tool management systems and automatic balancing functionality.

For even greater ease of use, BLOHM offers the EasyProfile control, which pairs the power of the SINUMERIK 840D with a revolutionary custom-built user interface. Menu-driven operation with conversational-style parameter entry makes it possible for even novice operators to utilize BLOHM systems, while a large number of “canned” cycles simplifies programming. Creep feed grinding, recessing of grinding wheel flanks, surface grinding with continuous cross feed and more are all built directly into the control.

Software package upgrades for EasyProfile extends the range of automated functions on the control and reduces the need for NC-programming knowledge among machine operators. End users can easily expand the EasyProfile control’s capabilities for various grinding functions and applications including powerful profile dressing/grinding tools, additional grinding cycles like multi-step grinding programs, face grinding/calibrating or grinding wheel managers,

Because many BLOHM users must also prepare grinding wheels with contours for profiling, the company offers GripsProfile, a software enhancement available for both CNC styles. The basic version of the software comes equipped with 13 standard profiles, while the full version and its associated CAD tool allows for limitless profile possibilities.