Supfina is one of the world leaders in high-precision surface finishing systems, with processes such as stone and band superfinishing, flat finishing, micro-grinding, double wheel grinding, offering solutions adapted to the different production tasks, from superfinishing equipment, stand-alone machines, to fully automated cells using robots.
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Superfinishing
The superfinishing is a chip removing machining process. But not one that is comparable to any other. In contrast to the classic lathe turning and grinding methods, there is full surface contact between the tool and the workpiece.
This is precisely the feature that produces the unique characteristics of a perfectly machined surface. This is superfinishing!
By overlaying workpiece rotation and tool oscillation, each individual grain travels along a sinusoidal line – a feature typical for this process.
All the grinding grains in contact with the workpiece create a machining pattern by means of overlaying individual sinusoidal lines that cross each other at a particular angle. This generates a specific, defined pattern of grooves and plateaux, which, in turn, results in the particular advantages of the superfinishing process. The grooves act as channels to aid uniform distribution of the lubricant, while the plateaux guarantee a high percentage contact area.
The tools in use here are either bonded grinding compound on a solid substrate, such as ceramic, or on a flexible backing such as a textile tape.
Uniform lubricant distribution, higher bearing ratio, improved microgeometry, optimized peak heights – this is workpiece quality made by superfinishing.
Supfina's superfinishing machine series are:
- Race finishing: Superfinish for raceways of antifriction bearings. For every type, size and quantity, Supfina offers the right solution with the machining series Race.
- Plunge machining: Superfinish for pinion, cam and crankshafts.
- Centerless machining: Superfinishing of roller bearings, piston rods and other cylindrical workpieces. With Supfina machines for through feed machining, high production rates are achieved with low labor input thanks to minimized setup times and long tool service lives.
- Ball machining: Superfinishing of spherical components.
- Spherical plain bearings and spherical components are used in diverse areas: they are installed in a wide variety of ways in the aerospace industry as well as in the automotive and agricultural industries. In all areas, however, these parts are subject to the highest quality requirements, as they must function perfectly despite high loads.
- Precise machining and production are therefore imperative. In addition, long-term process reliability and low cycle times are of utmost importance for the cost-efficient production of the required quantities in constantly growing industrial sectors.
Flat finishing
The flat finishing process consists of using a cup wheel to machine a workpiece’s face.
Precision slides allow the finishing unit to be adjusted in multiple directions — thus giving the workpiece a characteristic “cross-hatch” pattern, in addition to concave or convex adjustments. With these capabilities a flat, concave, convex, or spherical surface can be produced.
One key difference between double-disk grinding and flat finishing is that, for the latter process, the tool is self-dressed during the machining of components and regular wheel dressing is not necessary.
Fine grinding
The fine grinding process is also used when workpieces require both surfaces to have plane parallelism, but with more precision than can be achieved with double-disk grinding. Workpieces are placed in carriers that have teeth on the outside diameter. An inner pin ring rotates the carriers as they shift on a stationary outer pin ring in an orbiting manner.
Machining takes place between two rotating grinding wheels. The optimal machining force is applied by the upper wheel, which is mounted on an oscillating pendulum.
Fine grinding’s central feature is that a fixed number of parts can be processed simultaneously, or in batches. Each of these machining technologies has its particular strengths. For maximum stock removal as well as output of finished workpieces, double-disk grinding is preferred.
However, for maximum precision and size accuracy, fine grinding is preferred. Hydraulic components, for example, can be finished with an accuracy of ± 0.001 mm.
The machine series that carries out this work is the Spiro Line, which is characterised by:
- High drive performance
- Maximum flexibility for many applications
- Individually customizable for optimal machining results
- Reduced tool wear thanks to low-vibration machine support and protection
- High-precision, non-contact measurement control
- Visual process control for consistently high precision
- User-friendly and intuitive operation
Double disk grinding
When both sides of a workpiece must be ground so that both surfaces are exactly plane and parallel, it is needed the process of double-disk grinding. The workpiece is not fixed for this process. Instead, it is loosely placed in the “nest” of the workpiece carrier. Then both sides of the workpiece are simultaneously machined between two grinding wheels.
The upper grinding wheel is adjusted with the “tilt” navigation setting, which allows the upper wheel to maintain the desired angle with the lower wheel. Thus, the gap between the grinding wheels is greater on the infeed side than on the outfeed, resulting in the required amount of stock removal.
Superfinishing attachments
Depending on the number of pieces and the geometric size of the workpieces to be machined, superfinishing attachmentsare used on conventional grinding or lathes. Supfina attachments are available as tape units, stone units or hybrid versions. We will happily advise you which version is suitable for your application.
You can get started immediately thanks to the fast, uncomplicated attachment to existing lathes and the process support provided by Supfina. In this way, you increase your competitiveness and meet all customer requirements.
The advantages of Supfina attachments:
- Tape finishing attachment: can be converted from belt to stone finishing, dry machining possible
- Pneumatic attachments: robust and inexpensive all-round equipment, low space requirement
- Mechanical attachments: impressive running smoothness, stable parameters under load changes
Robotics: Process and Automation
Customized solutions
Are you looking for a flexible, modular, and economical solution for your processes? With the R-Cell, Supfina presents an innovative robotic cell that easily meets all these requirements. In the modular cell, a large number of components can be arranged entirely according to your own needs and, thanks to the flexible design, can also be expanded or adapted at any time.
This ensures increased flexibility and quicker reaction times and offers great potential for savings thanks to efficient production in a compact space.
