Precise edge prep measurement from Walter

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Post Date: 11 Apr 2009    Viewed: 798

Walter's Helicheck Pro and Plus measuring machines can now measure the 'edge prep' (also called the 'cutting edge radius' or 'hone') of precision cutting tools. Edge prep has emerged as an important avenue for extending tool life, but until now measuring this subtle feature has required an expensive, single-purpose machine. The Helicheck adds the ability to automatically measure edge prep to its proven ability to measure virtually all geometries - including features like corner radius, rake angle, helix, runout, and K-land. The machine's new 1,000x magnification camera and segmented LED light - which is mounted on its own swivelling CNC axis - enables edge prep measurement down to a 0.0002 inch (5 micron) radius.

The Helicheck Plus measures tools down to 0.004 inches (0.1 mm) in diameter and the new equipment improves the ability to measure other extremely small features, like clearance and rake angle, on such micro tools. Repeatability is 0.0004 inches (1 micron). And the new gear is fully integrated with Walter's user-friendly QCM software. Walter, headquartered in Tübingen in Germany, is part of the Körber Schleifring group, which also includes Blohm, EWAG, Jung, Mägerle, Mikrosa, Schaudt, Studer, and is represented by United Grinding in the USA. With 8,000 employees worldwide and over a billion dollars in sales, the Körber Group is a leader in both grinding technology and service and support.