Stability, accuracy and reliability are the most important attributes for the NEXT model. Due to particularly short set-up times, NEXT is very suitable for small or large batches that have long cycle times where high quality is guaranteed. An extensive array of accessories is available for your production needs (e.g. tailstock, steady rest, shank guide, HF spindles, push-on and turning units), allowing gear cutting tools, blades, punches and inserts to be produced. In an automatic mode of grinding, drills and milling-type tools are easily managed without difficulty. Due to the new placement of the automatic loading unit, the footprint is relatively a square consisting of 4m2.
Dynamics: The previous and proven TTB drive concept of a calibrated preload and hydrodynamically lubricated axes integrated into the new NEXT has been further optimized. By doubling the rapid traverse speed and incorporating a newly developed direct-drive swivelling axis, the productivity result of the machine is increased even more. The U axis can be equipped with belt drive or, as option, with direct drive.
PM (Predictive Maintenance) System: The Monitoring and control of integrated temperature and vibration sensors allow the highest quality of tools to ever be produced. A new energy concept brings with it a lower overall heat input. Thus, reducing the warm-up and stabilization period of the machine to reach the initial operating temperature. Using the data from the WebVisu, predictive maintenance can be easily customized to Customer liking.
HP transmission: The new power transmission concept results in increased power that is transferred to the spindles with simultaneous vibration reduction. This allows the production of tools up to Ø14 mm (Ø9/16”) without any limitations. The grinding wheel turret has an indexing accuracy of only 1/3 of a micron. It is equipped with up to 5 spindles, and with each spindle capable of having up to 4 grinding wheels. The grinding wheel turret is still the core component of the NEXT.
Various versions of tool collets, chucking systems, grinding spindles and grinding wheel adapters are available for the NEXT. This means that the NEXT can be individually configured and optimally adapted to fit Customer needs. Replacing the modular components is also quick and easy. The tool probe is always part of the standard equipment. The grinding wheels can be dressed, regenerated and measured in the machine,even during automatic production mode.
The fully automatic steady rest is designed for tools having grind lengths in the range of 10x to 15x of the diameter. The radial mounting position of the steady rest can be adjusted in 15 ° increments,this in order to find the optimal position. Assembly and set-up are achieved quickly by a simple procedure and with fewer steps. The support prisms and bushings are clamped by a quick clamping system and can be aligned according to the tool taper.
The shaft guide system optimizes the concentricity of the tools, especially tools that possess a somewhat short shank length. A support bushing is used as the primary centering device, while an opposing finger clamps the opposite side to apply pressure to keep it seated into the support bushing. The finger support can be oriented on the left or right side and is equipped with a support bushing.
The dismountable tailstock is used in the production and regrinding of hobs, shaper cutters and reamers. In case of hobs, it is used in combination with a 6th axis. Tools can be held between centers or with a collet. The positioning of the tailstock (back mounting) is done by high precision needle bearings. The tailstock can also be used with the automatic loading of such tools. The precise clamping pressure is adjustable.
The W-axis (also called 6th axis) can tilt the grinding wheel turret in the range of +/-15° degrees. For the manufacturing of hobs, this sets the angle of attack of the grinding wheel to the pitch angle of the cutter. The axis is equipped with a brake and a high-precision encoder. The grinding of ballnose cutters with 6th axis is also possible.
The turret can optionally be supplied with 4 or 5 spindle positions. Short or long spindles with steel or ceramic bearings can be used, depending on the grinding operation. The exchange of a spindle can be done in less than two minutes. High frequency spindles of 60,000, 100,000 and 150,000 RPM can also be adapted.
iC-Detect camera unit is installed in the clean side (loading unit compartment). As it is integrated into the loading cycle, the measuring/ alignment process occurs simultaneously while grinding the tools. The camera unit allows the automatic alignment of internal coolant holes of various shapes all the way down to 0.05mm diameter.
Several variations are available for integrating the NEXT machine into an Industry 4.0 system. TTB creates the optimal solution together with the Customer.
Loader with short cycle time and high capacity
Thanks to the newly developed loader, automatic loading time has been extremely improved. For this purpose, the new double gripper clamps round shafts from 1 to 16mm. The standard version of the loader has 2 pallets for ∅1-16 mm. Optionally, 3 or 4 pallets is also possible. Depending on the shank diameter, the pallets can hold up to 814 tools. Specific solutions such as special pallets or special loading operations can be provided upon request.
Additional units for dressing, sorting, ejecting, turning, etc. are also available. This allows tools such as knives, turning and grooving tools, indexed tools, punches, flow drills to be produced efficiently and precisely.
The programs for the NEXT model are prepared with the flexible and proven NUMROTOplus® programming system.
TTB also offers many systems such as coolant filtration, chillers, oil mist, fire protection, measuring, balancing and loading systems.
