On the customer’s side, the manufacturing process is crucial to answer market demands. Fast time to market is a daily challenge. Due to the crisis COVID-19, the cost of raw materials has increased and producing the first part right is essential to keeping costs down and avoiding scratch material. A short machining process is key to increasing productivity and efficiency.

The Mikron MILL S/X (U) three- and five-axis milling series are known for accuracy, precision, high dynamics, iconic design, and ergonomics. Accessibility to the machines is easy and their footprint is small whether on a standalone machine or combined with an automation cell. With a fast process speed, parts can be produced to fulfill market demands with flexible production. The automated machine calibration (AMC) as standard on the series provides calibration, and the cooling of all machine components keeps the process stable during long milling and grinding processes.

The MILL S and X series include hybrid milling and grinding capabilities. The new machines can combine milling and jig grinding on the same machine without any impact on its footprint or performance. The grinding setup is designed to maintain standard workpiece dimensions and the clamping surface for automated processes. The laser measuring system and dressing spindle (with an adjusted rpm from 3,000 to 20,000) remain located closer to the working area for a quick and fast grinding process. In addition, the dressing spindle is installed with a slight inclination to dress any type of grinding tool without issue.

Through this two-in-one solution, the Mikron MILL S/X (U) series reduces the time and complexity of the customer's manufacturing process. The combination of milling and grinding technologies and high machine dynamics and consistent thermal stability due to Ambient Robust technology, ensure high accuracy and a fast ROI for high quality parts. The dressing spindle is equipped with an acoustic emission (AE) sensor to track and visualize the signal on the Heidenhain control during the tool dressing. The machine can be equipped with an additional AE sensor to track grinding operations and optimize the process further. Thanks to the additional AE sensors on the machine table, operators can adapt their process even more thanks to the automatic tool-piece detection cycle. This cycle, developed by GF Machining Solutions, avoids air grinding by detecting exactly when the grinding tool touches the part to start the process under optimal conditions.