GrindingHub 2024: Bruker Alicona shows cutting edge rounding

The selective and defined cutting edge rounding has many advantages: it reduces the risk of chipping, increases quality and tool life; chip removal and surface finish are also improved. With NaPrep, the honing and superfinishing company Nagel relies on process automation with included quality assurance from Bruker Alicona. "We have the expertise in fine machining and are experienced in robotics. It therefore made sense to combine these two areas of expertise," explains Manuel Kernchen, Product Manager of NaPrep in the Advanced Robotic Solutions department at Nagel. "NaPrep" is equipped with optical 3D measurement technology from Bruker Alicona. The integrated EdgeMaster technology enables high-resolution and robust measurements of edge rounding, including evaluation software based on future VDI standards. The automated measurement results can be transferred to the process, enabling automated control within the cell. "Bruker Alicona's measurement technology is leading on the market and much more accurate than tactile methods," says Kernchen, explaining why Nagel chose the Austrian manufacturer as its partner for "NaPrep".

In addition to the automated edge rounding cell "NaPrep", Bruker Alicona will also provide insights into its own portfolio for quality assurance of cutting edges at GrindingHub 2024. The EdgeMasterX and the InfiniteFocus G6 will be on display at this year's grinding technology trade fair. The brand new FocusX will also be available for test measurements on site. The Focus variation technology used sets standards not only in terms of edge rounding, but also in the measurement of real edge geometry, chipping, roughness on the rake face and over 50 other edge parameters. The working distance of optical measuring systems is a particularly important factor in the tool industry, enabling accessibility and therefore accurate measurements of sharp edges. Optical measurement technology enables non-contact, reproducible and traceable 3D measurements that can be carried out completely independently of the type, material, size and surface finish of the cutting tool. The rollout of the new version of MetMaX in spring 2024 will also see the introduction of a new software feature in measurement planning: round tool alignment. According to the manufacturer, this will take automation in the area of shank tools to a whole new level.