2005/10/26 T-181C, the Second in a Series of Compact Vertical Internal Grinding Machines, Developed by Toyo -Suitable for a broad range of applications, from high-diversity, low-volume production to high-volume production; and from simple grinding to complex machining- Toyo Advanced Technologies Co., Ltd., (Head Office: Minami-ku, Hiroshima; President: Kenichi Yamamoto) today announced the release of the newly developed T-181C, the second model in the company's series of vertical internal grinding machines. The most compact model in the series, the T-181C is a chuck type internal grinding machine capable of handling internal work diameters ranging from 1.5 mm to 150 mm. The new T-181C takes full advantage of the vertical format. The machine is only 980 mm wide and has a compact footprint overall. It incorporates features that are well established on Toyo's horizontal internal grinding machines, such as specially developed high-output, high-rigidity wheelheads and the TOYOMATIC-4000 interactive CNC system. It enables highly effective, high-precision machining by using a column cooling system to prevent thermal displacement deformation, a weak point of many vertical grinding machines. Furthermore, a Y-axis function that moves the work shaft to the loading position (toward the front of the machine where the operator stands) is available as an option. In addition to making it easier to change setups for different workpieces, it enables the installation of a gantry loader as a conveyor and loading device. This makes it possible to configure an automated production line suitable for a variety of applications. The T-181C is suitable for both high-diversity, low-volume production and high-volume production work. It provides an excellent blend of productivity and flexibility. An optional two-spindle configuration is available, which allows the T-181C to be used for one-chuck complex machining involving both cutting and grinding. T-181C vertical internal grinding machine Toyo Advanced Technologies is one of Japan's leading manufacturers of internal grinding machines. In addition to horizontal models, in July of this year the company released the T-182S, a midsize centerless model that was the first entry in Toyo's series of vertical internal grinding machines. The second model in the series is the T-181C, a compact, chuck type vertical internal grinding machine. Toyo plans to follow up in the future with many additional models, including a large vertical internal grinding machine. Main Product Features of T-181C 1. Compact Size The compact design takes full advantage of the vertical layout. The machine is a mere 980 mm wide. This is more than 60% smaller than Toyo's comparable horizontal internal grinding machines (the T-11L series). 2. High-Precision, High-Efficiency Grinding ♦ A new high-rigidity work shaft and high-precision chuck have been specially developed for the T-181C. In addition, the grinding wheel spindle, which plays a key role in determining machining performance, employs the same type of high-frequency wheelheads used in Toyo's horizontal internal grinding machines. They were developed in-house and combine high output and high rigidity. Six wheelhead types are available, ranging from 30,000 r.p.m. with a continuous rating of 22 kW, to 150,000 r.p.m. with a continuous rating of 2.0 kW. The customer can select the wheelhead type that provides the optimum match for the size and specifications of the work to be done. ♦ To prevent thermal displacement, the T-181C uses the same highly-acclaimed dual head structure on Toyo's horizontal models and adds a column cooling system designed especially for the vertical configuration. Furthermore, the mounting position of the dressing equipment has been moved from the head side to the column side. This makes it possible to achieve a level of machining accuracy comparable to that of horizontal machines in the T-181C, in spite of the tendency toward heat deformation normally associated with vertical machines. ♦ The work shaft has a ±0.25-degree swivel function (when the Y-axis function is not used). It can be used to adjust the taper and to achieve greater precision and efficiency when grinding straight holes. ♦ The T-181C also benefits from the advanced control technology that makes the Toyo name synonymous with internal grinding machines. These include Toyo's exclusive TAC (Toyo Adaptive Control) grinding and the TOYOMATIC-4000 CNC system. 3. Combines Productivity with Flexibility ♦ The vertical layout simplifies the task of changing the setup to match different workpieces or modifying the line configuration. This makes the T-181C ideal for high-diversity, low-volume production. For jobs requiring high-volume production, a variety of flexible conveyor and loader options (conveyors, scalar robots, gantry loaders) are available. In particular, installing a general-use scalar robot makes it possible to deal flexibly with workpiece changes and variations in production volume. ♦ A Y-axis function that moves the work shaft to the loading position is available as an option. In addition to making it easier to change setups for different workpieces, it enables the installation of a gantry loader (option) to convey work between machines. This makes it possible to build an automated production line ideal for high-volume production in a small amount of space. 4. Complex Machining A two-spindle configuration is available as an option. One of the spindles can be switched to a cutting tool, making it possible to use the T-181C to perform complex machining involving both cutting and grinding. Since both cutting and grinding can be performed in a one-chuck configuration, machining precision is enhanced.