Finishing and Superfinishing, Lapping, Honing, and Vibratory Grinding: A Range of Manufacturing Processes for Enhancing Surface Finishes
Finishing and superfinishing, lapping, honing, and vibratory grinding are crucial stages in the production process, ensuring optimal performance and unique characteristics of workpieces and components. GrindingHub, a significant event in Stuttgart scheduled from 17 to 20 May 2022, marks the first major trade fair for grinding technology following the pandemic. This gathering serves as a platform for companies to interact and exchange information on advanced manufacturing processes.
Companies Seeking Experts in Superfinishing
Uli Bögelein, managing director of Stähli Läpp-Technik GmbH located near Stuttgart, promptly decided to participate in GrindingHub. He emphasized the mutual benefits of this event for the industry. Stähli Läpp-Technik specializes in the production of machinery for honing, lapping, and polishing, as well as providing technical support for these processes.
Bögelein identified three primary customer segments:
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Companies operating at a smaller scale that do not require significant investment in specialized machinery.
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High-volume manufacturers seeking to outsource these processes to optimize time and resources.
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Enterprises conducting pilot tests of new processes before full-scale production.
Stähli Läpp-Technik offers a comprehensive range of tools and supplies, including specialized abrasive wheels and equipment. Trade fairs serve as critical venues for initial meetings, where companies can present their designs and discuss advanced technological solutions.
Driving Factors in Industry Growth
Thomas Harter, representing Supfina Grieshaber from the Black Forest region, outlined several key drivers of industry expansion. Supfina specializes in the development of machines for superfinishing and grinding processes.
Harter provided examples from the automotive industry, noting that new environmental regulations necessitate more complex brake designs. Future brake systems will incorporate hard coatings that are challenging to machine. Supfina is investing in innovative grinding techniques to enhance efficiency and product quality.
Additionally, the rise of electric vehicles demands quieter and more efficient part finishing solutions. Supfina has developed machines for producing quiet roller bearings tailored for electric vehicle applications.
Specifying Surface Attributes
Dr. André Wagner from Hermes Schleifmittel based in Hamburg highlighted the growing demand for superior surface quality. While traditional processes prioritize efficiency and cost-effectiveness, there is an increasing need for high-quality surfaces in various applications.
Manufacturers and customers must collaborate closely to achieve the desired surface characteristics. For instance, in automotive components such as gears, precise surface finishes are essential for optimal performance and noise reduction.
Research on Process Integration
The Technical University of Berlin's Institute for Machine Tools and Factory Management is conducting research on efficient manufacturing processes for small-batch production. The institute is focusing on robot-guided finishing and superfinishing techniques capable of handling diverse part geometries.
Prof. Eckart Uhlmann from the institute explained that robotic systems offer versatile capabilities, including grinding and polishing, facilitating the production of various components without the need for multiple machines.
Uhlmann noted that robots can integrate multiple process steps, serving as multifunctional machines that streamline production workflows. This approach allows companies to design tailored processes for specific product requirements.
However, the adoption of advanced manufacturing processes is often hindered by factors such as high equipment costs, automation complexity, and the need for specialized expertise. Trade fairs like GrindingHub provide companies with an opportunity to showcase their products, tools, and technical innovations, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.
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Note: GrindingHub is the inaugural major trade fair for grinding technology organized by the German Machine Tool Builders' Association and its partners. Grinding technology is a cornerstone of the German machine tool industry, producing machinery for cutting and shaping materials. These machines are integral to various sectors, including automotive, electronics, and medical devices.
