Vollmer presents VHybrid 260 knife sharpening machine at EMO 2023

Vollmer, a global company specializing in machine tools and industrial machinery equipment, participated in the Hannover Machine Tool Show (EMO 2023) in Germany on September 23 and launched the VHybrid 260 sharpening machine. 

The VHybrid 260 knife sharpener provides grinding and corrosion solutions. At the trade show, Alexander Schmid, Head of Product Management at Vollmer, explains in detail why the VHybrid 260 knife sharpening machine is the epitome of flexibility and precision. The following is a question and answer

-. What exactly does "VHybrid" in VHybrid 260 mean?

▲The word "VHybrid" comes from Greek, meaning crossover or hybrid. In terms of technology, VHybrid 260 combines the advantages of both "grinding" and "erosion", using non-contact spark erosion to grind PCD (polycrystalline diamond) tools.

The VHybrid concept is based on that of the VGrind tool grinder, which enables multi-step machining using two vertically configured spindles. In the VHybrid, the upper spindle is used purely as a grinding spindle, while the lower spindle is capable of corrosion and cutting operations. Grind.

-. Which tool manufacturers are interested in combined grinding and corrosion machines?

▲This is of interest to all toolmakers pursuing a high degree of variability in toolmaking. VHybrid enables companies to adapt their tool manufacturing at any time to meet current needs and provides a solution for both sharpening processes on one machine, whether diamond tools are required or not.

Furthermore, as the use of composite tools such as full-head PCD tools is steadily growing in the global tool market, hybrid machining processes that include erosion and grinding in a single setup are critical to produce these tools accurately and cost-effectively.

-. Wouldn’t it be more complicated to operate a machine with two technologies?

▲All machines operate the same way, so customers can immediately master the VHybrid knife sharpening method.

-. VHybrid is easy to operate and flexible to use. What is the technology behind these advantages?

▲The core of VHybrid is the Vpulse EDM erosion generator developed during the research and development process. We continually strive to improve the efficiency of our generators. Currently, we are achieving surface quality of 0.05μRA, which is equivalent to 1/1000 of the thickness of a human hair, but there are still customers who want maximum processing speed rather than surface quality.

VPulse EDM corrosion generators allow users to choose between maximum efficiency and best surface quality, while toolmakers can always tailor the polishing process to their needs. Additionally, the software-based V@Boost performance package can increase VHybrid performance by up to 35%

-. What industry or market do you want to enter with VHybrid 260?

▲Currently, the global manufacturing industry mainly requires PCD cutting tools with a diameter of less than 150 mm. The VHybrid 260 is capable of producing this type of tool and is subsequently used throughout the woodworking and metalworking industries. At EMO 2023 we show for the first time how a tool manufacturer can produce the smallest micro-tools with a diameter of 0.45.

Microchip production requires PCD micro-tools with a diameter of less than 0.45 mm, especially in areas such as the electronics industry and medical technology. This benefits smaller electronic components for increasingly smaller implants and wearable devices.

-. As Product Manager at Vollmer, what do you see as the challenges ahead?

▲The top priority for me and the entire team is to improve the machine every day. In addition to the technical aspects of more efficient production, higher precision and better quality, automation and digitalization are also our top priorities.

For example, we develop Internet of Things (IoT) gateways that connect machines to the Internet and allow customers to obtain and analyze data from their machines. Our V@dison program makes the sharpening process more flexible and efficient than ever. Based on four core principles: This includes faster assessment of central information to proactively identify defects and optimize processes. We believe that the integration and use of Vollmer's smart technologies will play a key role in promoting the growth of the global tool manufacturing industry in the future.