Laura Butcher, Author at Curtis Machine Tools

The VECTOR Nano™

Laura Butcher — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 11:00:59 +0000

Ultra-precision grinding from Curtis Machine Tools with The Vector Nano

As new technologies, materials and products impose tighter controls on complex components, grinding to sub-micron accuracies with a mirror-like finish is becoming the norm. With this in mind Curtis Machine Tools have expanded their already extensive Vector range of grinding machines and are proud to announce that they can now offer The Vector Nano. Ultra-precision grinding comes with its own set of issues – the need for high mechanical rigidity, extremely high spindle speeds, excellent damping, high overall loop stiffness and thermal stability being the key requisites.

The machine has been designed to have these fundamental requirements at the core of its ultra-high precision capabilities, as standard the machine is equipped with the following:

11.4kW liquid cooled hydrostatic wheel spindle capable of delivering grinding peripheral of speeds up to 120m/sec.
2.7kW liquid cooled hydrostatic workhead with guaranteed axial and radial position variation of less than 0.00025mm, this can as an option be reducing further to 0.0001mm.
Glass scale absolute linear encoders fitted to both the X axis and Z axis with 0.000001mm (1 nano metre) measurement increment.
Integral temperature monitoring and compensation system.

As with all the Vector range, the Vector Nano can be offered with the following options:

Angular or straight approach grinding
Standard or super abrasive grinding technology
Static, rotary and full form dressing
Automatic grinding wheel balancing system
Gap and crash detection system
Pre, In & Post process measurement system with full closed loop statistical process control
Vision inspection for post process feature measurement
Full automation comprising of integral loading system combined with numerous parts presentation options,
vibratory bowl, pallet, conveyor etc
Ancillary process integration such as deburr, wash, dry, laser marking, packaging etc.

Speak with our sales team to find out more.

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Two machines shipped

Laura Butcher — Wed, 09 Jun 2021 10:19:33 +0000

Last week at CMT, we had two VECTOR Twin grinding machines accepted and dispatched to our happy customer. Our customer is a large automotive manufacturer and they will be using the machine to grind turbocharger vanes. Check out the video below to see one of the machines in action.

These machines incorporate an indexing twin-spindle workhead, allowing loading and some secondary operations to be performed whilst grinding is taking place on one spindle. Giving a spark-to-spark time approaching zero, making it ideal for optimised production.
Curtis Machine Tools are experts in developing engineered grinding solutions for turbocharger vanes, by providing a complete turnkey system that can be customised to your manufacturing specifications.

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Recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic

Laura Butcher — Tue, 25 May 2021 09:00:23 +0000

We all know that the Covid-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on our everyday lives, from socialising and seeing our families, to working from home. The British economy shrank by nearly 10% in 2020, this is the biggest slump in more than 300 years. But now, in May 2021, things are looking up, with the prospect of vaccines allowing us to go back to a new normal. There are some initial signs that a wave of optimism has swept British companies as the economy gradually reopens following a third national lockdown in the past month, with pubs reopening and non-essential retail opening their doors once again. The country is beginning to recover from the large slump caused by the global pandemic.

UK manufacturing

UK factories were not directly affected by the lockdown restrictions at the start of 2021, many of their customers were. Meaning many took advantage of the furlough scheme offered by the UK government.
April saw an acceleration in the rate of the UK manufacturing industry. Growth of output as well as orders were among the best seen in seven years. In a recent survey, nearly half of smaller British manufacturers are expecting to recover their pre-pandemic health in the coming months, many of these plan to invest in hiring, plant and machinery. The South West Manufacturing Advisory Service (SWMAS) and Manufacturing Growth Programme said 48% of small and medium-sized manufacturers expected to meet their pre-COVID position in the next three months. The IHI Markit/CIPS Purchasing Managers’ Index® rose to 60.9 in April, up from 59.9 in March. The latest reading is the highest since July 1994’s record high 60.0.

Impact on CMT

Curtis Machine Tools were impacted by the pandemic, just like thousands of other business in the UK last year. Fast forward to the first half of this year and business is booming. We have received enquiries for standalone and production line machines from across the globe and even managed to pick up new customers. These customers are currently really impressed with our customer service and grinding solutions we can provide. In May 2021, we will have dispatched 3 VECTOR Twin grinding machines as well as having various initial consultations with potential customers, and development projects taking place.

The future

At CMT we all hope that business continues to be busy and we can keep providing our customers with engineered grinding solutions. We are also looking to grow and develop the business further. CMT will continue to invest in new technologies and hire highly skilled employees.

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VECTOR Twin grinding machine dispatched

Laura Butcher — Mon, 17 May 2021 13:11:42 +0000

Our latest VECTOR Twin grinding machine has been dispatched this week, ready to be delivered to our customer, a major automotive supplier, in the USA. Manufacturing this machine has taken several months of designing, assembling and testing to make sure it is to the exact requirements of our client.

VECTOR Twin

The VECTOR Twin can be used to grind a number of different components, depending on the requirements of our customers. Many of our customers manufacture small, high precision components within the automotive, medical and defence industries. The Twin, from the VECTOR family of grinding machines, inorporated an indexing twin-spindle workhead, this allows loading and some secondary operations to be performed concurrently with the grinding process. Using this machine means that the process can be nearly halved in time, therefore improving productivity.

This particular machine uses a conveyor system which holds a number of pallets containing components. This reduces the amount of human interaction that the machine needs to operate. Once the pallet has finished being ground, the conveyor system moves it to the end of the machine, ready for the operator to pick up. An SPC drawer has been incorporated into the machine to allow the operator to inspect finished components whilst the machine is still running. This machine also features a Staubli robot and Siemens control system.

Check out our YouTube channel soon to see this machine in action.

Customisation as standard

When creating a bespoke solution for our customers, there are limitless possibilities to customising our grinding machines. We do this by using the latest technologies from the likes of Siemens and Staubli. The integration of additional processes can be offered to provide a complete turn-key solution, such as;

Vision systems
Automation
Workpiece inspection
Deburr, wash and dry
Laser marking, packaging and much more.

If you wish to find out more information regarding our grinding machines, please contact us. You can also follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter, to keep up to date with our latest news.

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What happened at CIMT 2021?

Laura Butcher — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 10:45:47 +0000

CIMT 2021

CIMT (China International Machine Tool Show) 2021 was a huge success for the machine tool industry. Unfortunately, colleagues from CMT and many international attendees were unable to attend, due to Covid-19 restrictions. Our representatives at Rieckermann attended the show to meet with potential customers and showcase the engineered grinding solutions CMT can provide, with our 45 years’ experience in the machine tools industry.
Some of our team at our headquarters in Essex, UK were available to take part in video calls to speak with potential clients. Rieckermann team members had some in depth discussions about what CMT can offer, the capabilities of our machines and the requirements of potential customers.

CMT and Rieckermann worked closely to ensure we could provide attendees with the best possible experience. We created a slideshow that was interactive on the stand for viewers. CMT also send out a number of different components that our VECTOR family of grinding machines would be able to manufacture. Employees at Rieckermann were also helpful with translating documents into Chinese, and printing copies ready for the show, see below for the link to our Chinese (simplified) Brochure.

Although our team was disappointed to not be able to attend CIMT, the use of technology made the event enjoyable. However, we hope that in the future we will be able to attend exhibitions in person to build a better relationship with potential customers. CMT were very impressed with the professional stand at CIMT and thank them for their hard work.

Photos from CIMT 2021

A variety of components were sent out to the show from the UK, these were displayed in glass cabinets to showcase the wide range of parts our VECTOR grinding machine can manufacture. As you can see, CMT are able to provide machines to grind automotive components such as turbocharger impellers and vanes, see above photos alongside other components our machines are capable of manufacturing. If you have any questions regarding these components, please contact us. Alternatively, you can visit our website for further information regarding our machine variants and services. We are happy to arrange a conference call with our team members in the UK or put you in touch with our representatives, depending on location, to discuss your grinding machine requirements.

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A long tradition in grinding

Laura Butcher — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 10:24:26 +0000

VECTOR Twin and Quad

Is a well-established British manufacturer of high precision grinding machines for small components. We supply bespoke engineered grinding solutions to manufacturers worldwide and have over 45 years’ experience within a variety of industries, such as automotive, cutting tools and defence.
Our Grind in a Box patented technology has proved to be a global success, based on this innovative concept, CMT have designed and manufactured the VECTOR family of grinding machines. The Engineering team at CMT are constantly developing new machining methods and applications that are precisely tailored to the needs of our customers and market conditions, in order to maximise the efficiency of production. The integration of additional processes such as:

Vision systems
Automation
Workpiece inspection
Deburr, wash and dry
Laser marking, packaging and much more.

These are designed, developed, and integrated into the VECTOR, providing a complete turn-key process. CMT offer limitless possibilities to engineer and implement the user-specific requirements. With hundreds of machines ranging from a standalone solution to fully automated production lines, CMT is one of the market leaders in this field and your partner when it comes to process orientated solutions.
Our machines are fitted with the latest technology, including Siemens control systems, and our engineers have a high level of understanding using both Fanuc and Staubli robotics.

All the VECTOR machine variants share the same grinding platform, with a long radial stroke and a short axial stroke, for single and multi-plunge operations or peel grinding of profiles. VECTOR machines have been designed to give maximum productivity and precision with an exceedingly small footprint, providing an excellent ROI.

VECTOR Twin

The VECTOR Twin incorporates an indexing twin-spindle workhead, allowing loading and secondary operations to be performed. This additional spindle allows loading and unloading to take place whilst grinding is in process on the other spindle, giving a spark-to-spark time approaching zero, making it ideal for cycle time optimised production.

VECTOR Quad

The VECTOR Quad is based on the proven VECTOR Twin, revolutionising production grinding. The Quad uses an innovative four-spindle workhead, enabling the outer diameters or contours to be ground simultaneously on two workpieces, using the same grinding wheel, doubling the output. The Quad has a maximum diameter of 45mm.

This article can also be seen in the April 2021 edition of Grinding and Surface Finishing magazine.

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Curtis Machine Tools at GrindTec

Laura Butcher — Sat, 22 Feb 2020 14:59:00 +0000

Following the successful launch of both the Vector Pendulum and Vector Quad at EMO Hannover in September 2019, Curtis Machine Tools, one of the leading European manufacturers of grinding machines for small high-precision components such as diesel injectors and turbocharger parts, will this year be exhibiting the following machines at GrindTec 2020.

The VECTOR Twin & Flat has been developed specifically for the production of single spigot VGT vanes. These both require a cylindrical and surface grinding operation. The machine is based on the already well established Vector Twin but has an additional surface grinding station, enabling the vanes to have secondary operation complete in parallel with the cylindrical grinding operation. Thus giving a component production time of under 13 seconds.

The VECTOR Pendulum operates on a truly unique principle. With this machine, the grinding wheel oscillates between two independent workheads, each of which can be set up for different operations on the same component. With workhead inclination angles of up to 30^o, the outer diameter and shoulder can be ground for small parts up to 50mm diameter and 150mm in length. During oscillation from one workhead to the other, the grinding wheel can be dressed, giving the ability for the use of conventional grit grinding wheel, without the cycle time sacrifice for dressing, giving a low consumable cost, equally super abrasive can be used as the machine is capable of spindle speeds in excess of 100 m/s.

All the Vector machines in the range share the same grinding platform. With a long radial stroke and a short axial stroke, for single and multi-plunge operations or peel grinding of profiles.
The grinding wheel guard houses the workpiece and rear dresser, incorporating a shutter for loading access, ensuring that the grinding fluid/debris is retained within the machine. A variety of work loading and driving solutions are available. The machine can be configured for straight or angled approach with optional in-process gauging. The machine functionality incorporates as standard 3-axis Cartesian robot and a transitional parts storage area. Parts can be buffered in pallets using drawers or transferred in and out using linear systems. Primary and secondary processes, such as pre- and post-gauging, orientation, deburring, washing etc are all possible additions.
The layout enables good integration possibilities into the wider manufacturing environment, whether using manual transfer of pallets or linked linear transfer systems.

Basic

The core machine, with conventional workholding and Cartesian robot workpiece handling. The Basic variant has a wide application range and the greatest potential for future re-tooling for new components or applications.

Concentric

A centreless grinding variant incorporating a steel control wheel, work rest blade and ‘concentric’ pressure roller. Typically use for secondary operations on parts having a cylindrical body.

Twin

The Vector Twin incorporates an indexing twin-spindle workhead, allowing loading and some secondary operations to be performed concurrently with the grinding process. This gives advantages when the grinding times are short and minimises the spark to spark time.

Quad

The Vector Quad is based on the proven Vector Twin. However, the Quad has an indexing workhead with four spindles. This enables the outer diameters or contours to be ground simultaneously on two workpieces using the same grinding wheel, doubling the output.

GFS

Grind from Solid, a bar fed system complete with cut-off enables parts to be ground from solid rod. Unloading can be by gravity or robot. This variant is advantageous when parts to be ground are less than 5m in diameter.

Polygon

The Polygon variant uses a special workhead with a programmable ‘B’ axis allowing simultaneous axis interpolations facilitating the generation of forms, either cylindrical off axis or to a defined geometric profile.

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Innovative new grinding machines

Laura Butcher — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 08:12:00 +0000

Impressive productivity in a small space with the new Vector Quad and Vector Pendulum

Colchester, Essex, 26th July 2019. Curtis Machine Tools (‘CMT’) today announced the world
premieres of two revolutionary grinding machines at EMO Hannover; The Vector Quad and The
Vector Pendulum, which will bring the grinding of small parts into a new era of productivity. The
grinding machines are deemed to be ground-breaking because they have double the output
compared to that of a conventional grinder. The innovation which is simple in principle and
based on the doubling of work spindles (despite that the base area of the quad remains
unchanged from that of the Vector twin). Equally, the Pendulum is a compact grinding machine
with twice the capacity. Both machines are priced to make the productivity gains much more
attractive than purchasing two separate machines.
CMT is one of the leading European manufacturers of grinding machines for small,
high precision components, such as diesel injectors and turbocharger parts. The two new
innovations are suitable for use as either a single machine or can be integrated into a fully
automated production line with the facility for ancillary processes to be incorporated as required.
Michael Scarfe, Managing Director of Curtis Machine Tools commented “We see this innovation
as a revolution in grinding, as users actually get double the output, without having to pay twice
as much.”
The Vector Quad is equipped with four workpiece spindles and The Vector Pendulum with two
workpiece spindles. This increases productivity when grinding large volumes of small parts
(such as diesel injectors, turbochargers, hydraulic parts and cutting tools) to previously
unimaginable heights. At the same time, the spark-to-spark time is reduced because the loading
/ unloading of the parts occurs automatically and in parallel with the grinding process.
The concept of the Vector Quad is based on the proven Vector Twin. However, the new
machine has an indexing workhead with four spindles, enabling the outer diameters or contours
to be ground simultaneously on two workpieces using the same grinding wheel. Conventional
plunge grinding is equally possible as is peel grinding. The workpieces can have a maximum
diameter of 45 mm and be held in either collets or chucks. Whilst two parts are being ground,
either the standard loading system, or a robot, loads the two other spindles with the next two
workpieces. “This not only halves the process time when grinding large volume parts, but also
the spark-to-spark time drops to almost zero,” said Scarfe.

CMT will also be unveiling another world premiere at the EMO exhibition when it showcases the
Vector Pendulum. With this machine, the grinding wheel oscillates between two independent
workheads, each of which is can be set up for different operations on the same component.
With workhead inclination angles of up to 30°, the outer diameter and shoulder can be ground
for small parts up to 50 mm in diameter and 150 mm in length. During oscillation from one
workhead to the other, the grinding wheel can be dressed, giving the ability for the use of
conventional grit grinding wheels, without the cycle time sacrifice for dressing, giving a low
consumable cost, equally super abrasives can be used as the machine is capable of spindle
speeds in excess of 100 m/s.

About CMT Curtis Machine Tools Ltd

Engineered grinding solutions for high precision volume production.
Curtis Machine Tools Ltd. is part of the Douglas Curtis Machine Tool Group, which was founded in 1973
by Douglas and Richard Curtis in Colchester, Essex. Over the years, CMT has developed into a
specialist supplier of innovative grinding machines with integrated automation and process technology.
With the patented Vector grinding technology, engineered grinding solutions are on offer, which give the
customer a full turnkey solution from one supplier.

Double the output with the same footprint: world first Vector Quad by CMT: Two workpieces ground simultaneously with automation in parallel giving a spark to spark time approaching zero.

Two operations in one machine, worlds first Vector Pendulum by CMT: Like a pendulum, the grinding wheel alternates between two workpieces, dressing o route giving two operations in one machine.

Check out our interview with MTD CNC Global from EMO 2019

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CMT celebrates sale of the 100th VECTOR

Laura Butcher — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 08:05:00 +0000

With more than 40 years’ experience in producing engineered grinding solutions for high volume production environments, Curtis Machine Tools continues to enjoy global success with its range of VECTOR production grinding machines and is celebrating the sale of its 100th VECTOR^TM grinding machine to Cummins in the USA for the production of diesel injection components.

A market survey in 2005 showed that over 90 percent of all grinding applications had a grinding length of less than 75mm, with the key market being high precision fuel injection components and turbochargers. CMT reacted to this survey and developed the Curtis VECTOR range with a grinding length of 100mm and integrated 3-axisloading system designed for high volume cylindrical grinding, typically 250,000 to 1,000,000+ parts per year.
The first VECTOR grinders were sold in 2006 to a customer in India grinding diesel injection components. From this point, the VECTOR has seen continuous development, enabling CMT to offer a multitude of options in workpiece presentation and holding. This, combined with process refinements in respect to grid types, grinding fluids and machine parameters, has given the VECTOR a truly market leading set of performance characteristics.
The key to optimising cycle times on high volume grinding machines is to reduce the ‘dead time’ to a minimum. The VECTOR Twin is the advanced machine in the range, having two work spindles mounted in an indexing drum, allowing loading and grinding operations to be carried out concurrently, giving cycle time reductions of up to 50 percent.

This photograph shows the working area of the VECTOR Twin with its main feature: When the door is closed, the grinding area is sealed and all coolant and debris is contained. The coolant is piped through the bottom of the guard and mist is removed by an integrated extractor for conventional grinding. For high-speed grinding a separate unit having a higher capacity is used.

The grinding wheel is mounted on cross slides, allowing grinding to take place by moving the wheel to the left and dressing by moving to the right. The dressing unit behind the grinding wheel is either fixed, rotary disc or diamond roll.
The left-hand wall of the fixed guard is a divider plate between the two work spindles. These are mounted in a drum that can be rotated through 180 degrees to index the spindles between the grinding and loading positions.
The splash guard, above the grinding wheel, rotates round the wheel so that when the wheel is retraction for loading, the splash guard covers the front of the wheel, stopping any coolant being released by the wheel being thrown past the divider plate as the workhead indexes. Grinding takes place on the spindle within the dirty area, while loading takes place in the clean area.

Grinding and loading therefore take place at the same time. The index time for the workhead drum is 1.2 seconds, giving a part to spark time of less than 2 seconds. In addition, secondary operations can be carried out on the component in the loading position, such as brush deburr, post process diameter gauging, pre-process length positioning, washing, laser marking etc.
As the coolant and grinding debris are totally contained within the fixed grinding guard, the pick/place locations can be close to the work spindle. Loading systems can be integrated into the without any risk that the loader slides will become contaminated. This makes for short robot movements and allows the machine to have a very small footprint of only 1,200 mm wide, including the loading system pallet storage for the components.
The fixed guard also makes all machines in the VECTOR range suitable for high speed super abrasive grinding wheels, as the wheel and high-pressure coolant are fully enclosed.

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