Delivering quality parts consistently is a simple strategy for success in metalcasting, but it’s not at all simple to accomplish. Part designs change, volumes change. "Consistency" can be hard to maintain. "Quality" is another variable that can be elusive from one cycle to the next. All these details are particularly pertinent to grinding and finishing castings, which is a routinely demanding process - and a tough job to fill even if there were not occupational hazards for workers, as well as skilled labor shortages.
In an effort to address all those considerations, Norican Group's DISA business early this year introduced a new automated grinding system designed specifically for metalcasting operations. The DISA GRIND machine anchors a production system described as fast, flexible, and easy to operate, and available to grind all ferrous or nonferrous alloys in short and medium runs for small and medium-sized foundries.
“In today’s job market, it is hard to find employees that want to work in manual grinding,” explained Kasper Paw Madsen, DISA’s vice president, Portfolio Development & Marketing, describing a critical feature. “Automated grinding with DISA GRIND is cleaner and safer, so it’s much easier to recruit operators and you can train them quickly too. DISA GRIND’s output is accurate, consistent and highly productive, with fixtures that are inexpensive and easy to fabricate.”
The fully automated grinding process requires no CNC programming skill, and it is simple to learn using the intuitive touchscreen and handheld control box. “Adjust the dial to accurately position the grinding tool, then simply press the blue button to record its location,” Madsen added. “It’s ideal for foundries that handle short runs with frequent new castings. You need far fewer operators, there’s almost no training required, and the work is cleaner and safer, so you can recruit more easily and retain staff longer too.”
DISA GRIND is available in two sizes to grind castings up to 1200 kg (2,645 lbs.) The T-900 handles parts up to 940 mm 37 in. / diameter x 400 mm / 15.75 in. high; and the T-1300 grinds workpieces up to 1,340 mm / 52.75 in. diameter x 750 mm / 29.5 in. high.
The system handles small and medium runs equally well, with a pallet-loading option that increases throughput and further cuts labor requirements. Installation is fast too as DISA GRIND requires no special foundation.
The compact but rugged design offers auto lubrication and requires very little maintenance, promoting greater uptime and reducing operating costs. Also, DISA offers online support for quick remote-assistance.
“DISA GRIND is the machine our customers asked us for,” stated Bo Wolff Haugbølle, v.p. OEM Sales. “It is designed and built by foundry experts, and solves a real foundry problem: ensuring consistently high finishing quality while making it easier to recruit and train staff. DISA GRIND is very easy and low cost to run while delivering higher productivity and fast ROI. Now every foundry can have automated grinding that fits their production.” Learn more at www.disagroup.com/GRIND