Next level control for PTG Holroyd’s helical rotor and thread grinding machines

UK-based PTG Holroyd has announced that, going forward, all models in its TG Series of ultra-precise helical rotor and thread grinding machines will be equipped with the Siemens digitally native SINUMERIK ONE CNC as standard.

PTG Holroyd was the first UK machine tool manufacturer to embrace the benefits of the SINUMERIK ONE CNC, incorporating the control system into its recently launched HG350 range of worm and gear grinding centres. The decision to also use the CNC in its latest generation TG Series machines is a clear indication of PTG Holroyd’s commitment to futureproof its technologies.

“The SINUMERIK ONE CNC has brought significant user benefits to our HG350 machines, including class-leading integrated safety and failsafe features, enhanced reporting of machine health and performance data, and uncompromising levels of encrypted security. Factor in the high levels of support we receive from Siemens, and it seemed only sensible to migrate to SINUMERIK ONE for our TG Series of rotor and thread grinding machines,” comments PTG Holroyd Sales Director, Mark Curran.

PTG Holroyd’s TG Series is widely regarded as setting the industry standard  for high speed, high accuracy, efficient stock removal. With the inclusion of the SINUMERIK ONE CNC, the machine tool manufacturer believes its TG range of helical rotor and thread grinding machines will be even more appropriate to its global customer base. Enhanced connectivity is provided via additional PROFINET interfaces, OPC/UA interfaces and increased performance – all made possible thanks to a PLC that is 10x faster than earlier Siemens controls. While from a machine tool manufacturing perspective, using the CNC’s Create MyVirtual Machine capabilities, in tandem with its own internal design packages, will enable PTG Holroyd’s design teams to develop all software and PLC controls on the desktop. “Just as with our HG range, this will reduce lead times significantly,” adds Mark Curran, “avoiding the need to have the physical machine on the shop floor before commencing  software development.”

Equally suited to prototyping, batch and volume production, PTG Holroyd’s TG Series machines are designed primarily for the finish grinding of helical screw components such as worm screws and rotors after they have been milled to a rough or semi-finished state. The TG range starts with the TG50E, a machine designed to precision grind components of up to 50 mm in diameter and 610 mm in length, with models offering stepped increases in capability up to the production of helical components measuring 450 mm in diameter and 2020 mm in length. Each machine’s advanced automation means reduced setup time, while a significant amount of production time can be saved due to the fact that diamond dressing discs are continuously dressed during the semi-finish grinding cycles.

TG models offer production rates and accuracies to suit precise manufacturing strategies. Fully automated on-machine probing provides closed loop feedback of corrections to the dresser wheel and does not require a high level of operator skill.

PTG. The first name in precision

Incorporating the brands of PTG Holroyd, PTG PowerstirÒ Friction Stir Welding and Holroyd Precision Rotors, PTG has established itself at the forefront of high-precision machine tool design, build and supply for specialised applications. The range includes advanced machine tools for the production of

complex helical components such as compressor rotors, pump screws and high-accuracy gears, and PowerstirÒ machine tools for friction stir welding advanced alloys used in transport applications. With production facilities in the UK, USA and China, Holroyd Precision Rotors manufactures the special purpose, ultra-precision helical components used in a wide range of industries, including refrigeration, air-conditioning, gas and vacuum pumping, industrial air handling, aerospace, medical equipment, motion control, power transmission, power generation, oil & gas, fluid transfer and high-end automotive. PTG also provides advanced technical consulting services.