Shigiya (USA) Ltd.’s GSU Series of Universal Grinders are designed with a wheelhead NC swivel function that allows the operator to select from nine different installation patterns. Using the correct wheelhead installation pattern and specifications allow a variety of multi-grinding tasks to be performed and reduce the number of processes. For more flexibility, two grinding wheels can be mounted onto two wheel spindles of the GSU, contrasted with conventional machines where two grinding wheels are mounted onto one spindle. The wheelhead is swiveled at high speeds by a direct drive system, and provides high positioning accuracy without backlash.

Grinder speeds can be changed steplessly on the AC servo motor within a range of 15 to 600 rpm. A user-friendly and flexible interactive automatic programming system automatically determines the optimal rotational speed for each workpiece.

The GSU is designed with non-concentric bearings that use hydrodynamics to secure the optimal wedge angle, and provide high precision rotation of the wheel.

The GSU’s tailstock is mounted with a large diameter spindle to further ensure high precision heavy grinding. Heat expansion of the workpiece during grinding is offset by a helical compression spring.

To avoid thermal displacement in the machine caused by a rise in the lubrication oil’s temperature, wheel spindle lubrication oil is stored in an isolated tank.

Shigiya offers an optional closed type hydrostatic slide wheelhead feed and a work spindle rotation direct drive so operators can perform eccentric O.D. and non-concentric O.D. grinding (polygonal grinding) using the C-X axis control.

Shigiya (USA) Ltd. is due to introduce several new series of universal and cylindrical grinders to the IMTS crowd in September, in different configurations and specifications to address the specific tasks that machine shops identify for high-precision grinding projects.

The Wheeling, Ill., operations sells and services cylindrical grinders, universal grinders, and specialized metal machine tools manufactured at Japan’s Shigiya Machinery Works Ltd.

The Shigiya machine tools and grinding machines range from production-type to ultra-precision grinders, small and large, matching the cost, volume, and specification requirements of applications in automotive parts production, electronics, hydraulic and pneumatic machinery, cutting tools, steelmaking machinery, and numerous other functional specialties.

The manufacturers’ grinding machines include straight and angular designs, specialty grinding systems and manual machines.