Expansion of the Chevalier range of CNC surface grinding machines, represented in the UK by C Dugard of Hove, UK, brings new levels of programming flexibility with variable graphics simulation for grinding and wheel dressing where the speed of review sequences can be varied by the operator. The Smart II - Series of multi-function, 3-axis machines has been developed for surface, form, step, slicing and profile grinding parts as diverse as turbine blades, punches, graphite electrodes and ceramics and production batch work such as automotive cam followers and valve stems. With the new control and software, the machines can also be programmed to produce different slots with varying depths and pitches on the same part.

In addition, with the inclusion of a CNC rotary table giving speeds up to 33 rev/min, the machines can be used to create cylindrical grinding cycles as well.

Key to the flexibility of the Smart-II Series is the simple graphics-based conversational control that incorporates a wide range of macros for grinding and wheel dressing including compensation with full grinding and wheel dressing simulation.

The simulation cycles utilise the electronic handwheels for manual axis movements to provide the facility whereby forward or reverse display of the program paths can be viewed.

The faster the handwheels are rotated in either direction, governs the speed of the execution of the simulation cycle.

There are four automatic graphic modes for dressing: table type with single point diamond or diamond roller, overhead diamond roller or full profile dressing.

Further advantages of the Chevalier system is the automatic wheel compensation that can even be executed in profile dressing mode, while pre-set dressing cycles can be initiated at anytime during the grinding cycle.

Once the dressing cycle is complete, additional finish or 'patch' passes can be made without having to repeat the complete cycle.

The new machine range spans the Smart II-818, 1224 and 1640 providing table sizes of 200mm by 460mm, 300mm by 600mm and 400mm by 1000mm and table loadings up to 670kg.

The maximum distance from table surface to spindle centre 406mm on the smallest machine, 630mm on the 1224 and 630mm on the larger machine.

Grinding wheel sizes are 203mm by 12.7mm by 31.75mm, 355mm by 50mm by 127mm and 355mm by 50mm by 127mm.

The machine is built on a single T-shaped base casting giving maximum rigidity with hardened and ground double 'Vee' ways and Turcite-B coated longitudinal and crossfeed guideways between base, saddle and table.

There is a range of options for the spindle specification from 1.5kW to 11.25kW depending on the machine size with further options for oil or air cooling.

Additional options include: linear scales, automatic wheel balancing, single disc dresser and a paper filter coolant system.