System 3R's Macro system finds new applications

Citation

(2000), "System 3R's Macro system finds new applications", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 72 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2000.12772aad.010

System 3R's Macro system finds new applications

Keywords System 3R, Grinding, Milling

More and more production engineers are said to be benefiting from System 3R's ideas for a standardised tool system with fixed references throughout the workshop. Especially now that the advent of modern machining techniques in the engineering industry is making ever more stringent demands on tools.

An example: in high-speed milling, 80-90 per cent of the material is machined away. This large amount of removed material, and the complex shape of parts, makes heavy demands on the sharpness of milling cutters. This machining technique therefore requires milling cutters to be re-sharpened in far greater numbers than before, and this calls for highly efficient handling.

This, we understand, is why engineers in the Swedish aircraft industry have begun to use fully-automatic grinding cells to sharpen milling cutters. These cells comprise a measuring machine, a tool grinding machine with System 3R's automatic Macro-chucks both on the tailstock and the grinding spindle, as well as a WorkMan robot to change the workpieces - the milling cutters - and the grinding wheel package. Last, but not least, the cell includes System 3R's WorkManager cell computer, which controls both the robot and the grinding machine.

Experience shows that these cells give:

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  less dependence on the skill of the tool grinder;

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  good milling cutters, in other words a lower reject rate;

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  identical milling cutters; and

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  far higher capacity (round-the-clock running with unmanned production at night).

System 3R is claimed to be the only system able to provide a truly comprehensive solution for foolproof, fast, accurate, costing set-up across EDK grinding and milling operations. The company believes that their "one system partner" approach means that companies can start in a small way with a basic reference system and gradually progress along the "automation path", confidently knowing that System 3R is at their elbow all the way and that the systems are always fulfilling the requirements.

Further information from: System 3R (UK) Ltd. Tel: +44 (0)1844 274455; Fax: +44 (0)1844 348800.