GrindNEP - Cutting edge preparation on your NUMROTO tool grinding machine 

Image of cutting edge preparation of a twist drill by brushing on a tool grinding machineNowadays, the targeted preparation of cutting edges is an essential component of modern cutting tools, which can significantly increase tool life. Unfortunately, all previous solutions either require a considerable financial investment to purchase special machines and/or offer little flexibility in the targeted production of the desired preparation size or shape. This flexibility is particularly important in the preparation of drilling tools, as an enormous range of preparation sizes must be covered. 

 



NPiTec has addressed this issue and developed GrindNEP (Grind and Edge Prep). This now enables every operator of a tool grinding machine equipped with NUMROTOplus to prepare cutting edges on drilling, milling and reaming tools in the simplest possible way using a precisely controlled brushing movement in a reliable and efficient process.  In addition to the size of the cutting edge preparation, its shape and symmetry (K-factor) can also be specifically influenced. 

GrindNEP uses the ‘External path calculation’ interface provided by NUMROTOplus to access all relevant geometry data from NUMROTO and offers the user a graphical user interface specially provided by NPiTec. This enables the user to adjust all relevant process parameters and manage programmes and brushes. The calculated results are then automatically transferred to NUMROTO in the form of a movement path specially adapted to the brushing process.

With GrindNEP, NPiTec has set itself the goal of making cutting edge preparation accessible to EVERYONE, from one-man regrinding operations to large tool manufacturers. As a customer, you benefit from ongoing software updates to expand functionality, combined with extensive expert knowledge and a direct contact person. GrindNEP is already in use as an alternative to classic standalone variants, such as brushing robots, in a wide range of machine environments and has proven its worth time and time again.

Results

GrindNEP enables you to produce cutting edge roundings in the range of approx. 5 - up to 100 µm economically, flexibly and reliably. The shape of the rounding can be optimised in terms of both roundness and symmetry (K-factors) by means of an optimum movement path and the associated setting options.

Image showing various cutting edge roundings produced by brushing

Process reliability

Thanks to our extensive expertise in the field of cutting edge preparation and the use of special high-performance brushes, coupled with perfected motion control, we achieve maximum process reliability with GrindNEP.

This process reliability forms the basis for efficient and process-integrated cutting edge preparation in your tool grinding machine:

Diagram for an overview of process reliability when brushing with GrindNEP

Our brushes

High-performance brushes specially developed and optimised for use on CNC tool grinding machines:

Picture of a diamond brush for cutting edge preparation

  • Base body with turned part made of solid material and fitting bore.
  • Balanced for optimum concentricity and protection of the grinding spindle.
  • Low non-productive times possible thanks to parallel mounting on grinding wheel pack.
  • Ground filaments with diamond trimming for efficient and optimally reproducible results in edge preparation.
  • Batch tracking of the brushes to fulfil the highest quality requirements.
  • Batch tracking of the brushes to fulfil the highest quality requirements.
  • Different variants available, depending on the application.

Your advantages at a glance

Overview of the advantages of GrindNEP

Prerequisites

To fully utilise GrindNEP, the following technical requirements must be met:

  • NUMROTOplus version 5.0.0g or higher:
    Depending on the application, a lower NUMROTOplus version may also be sufficient. As a rule, drilling tools can already be machined from version 4.2.1g. For newer versions of GrindNEP, more up-to-date NUMROTOplus versions may also be required in future. We will be happy to provide you with more detailed information on the required NUMROTOplus version at any time on request.
  • Option ‘External path calculation’
  • ‘Machine status interface (Industry 4.0)’ option
  • A minimum grinding spindle speed of 500 rpm should be adjustable

Info: The necessary NUMROTO options can generally be made available by NUM AG for test purposes after consultation with us and in agreement with the machine manufacturer. 

Please do not hesitate to contact us to arrange a non-binding and free test appointment, to see our expertise in the field of cutting edge rounding for yourself.