Fit for PcBN machining

Vollmer grinding machine "VGrind 360S" Fit for PcBN machining

2024-07-12 Source: Press release | Translated by AI 2 min Reading Time

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The ultra-hard cutting material PcBN achieves the second highest hardness level after PCD and is extremely heat resistant. To allow tool manufacturers to grind PcBN cutting edges with high precision, the Biberach-based sharpening specialist Vollmer has upgraded its "VGrind 360S" grinding machine: An optional dressing unit for the grinding wheel is the key to grinding PcBN cutting edges with high precision in two steps, i.e. roughing and finishing, with the "VGrind 360S".

The "VGrind 360S" grinding machine from Vollmer is capable of grinding PcBN tools with high precision thanks to its optional dressing unit and linear drives.(Image: Vollmer Works Machine Factory GmbH) — The "VGrind 360S" grinding machine from Vollmer is capable of grinding PcBN tools with high precision thanks to its optional dressing unit and linear drives.
(Image: Vollmer Works Machine Factory GmbH)

It's a small step for the "VGrind 360S", but a giant leap for the world of tool manufacturers: Swabian sharpening specialist Vollmer managed to adapt its "VGrind 360S" grinding machine for the machining of PcBN tools (polycrystalline cubic boron nitride). The ultra-hard PcBN cutting material is rated as the second hardest cutting material in the world after PCD (polycrystalline diamond). PcBN tools can achieve up to 25 times longer service life than solid carbide tools and have good chemical resistance even at high temperatures. Thus, PcBN still retains almost its original hardness at 1200 degrees Celsius. PcBN tools are mainly used for machining ferrous metals such as cast iron and hardened steel.

The fact that the "VGrind 360S" grinding machine is capable of precision machining tools with PcBN is due to its stable wall concept with a rigid and compact construction. In addition, the two grinding spindles with grinding wheel set at the pivot point of the C-axis allow efficient multi-level machining. The high system rigidity, in combination with the drive of the X, Y and Z axes via linear motors, allows tool manufacturers to process a PcBN cutting edge in an oscillating manner. Thermal stability is ensured by a plate heat exchanger that effectively cools the spindles and motors. The integrated spindle indexing of the "VGrind 360S" stops a spindle at exactly the same position when changing the grinding wheel, thereby reducing axial and runout errors in the grinding wheel packages.

The new step that the "VGrind 360S" has taken is an optional dressing unit for the grinding wheel. After roughing the PcBN cutting edge, the dressing unit ensures that each grinding wheel regains its precise roundness and correct geometric shape. The subsequent finishing gives a PcBN tool the desired fine grinding. Customers can retrofit the optional dressing unit with software update for existing "VGrind 360S" machines. Tool manufacturers can perform the installation in a few steps themselves or with the support of the Vollmer service team.

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Date: 08.12.2025

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