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United Grinding introduces the Heliset Plus, a manual measuring system from Walter that is said to contribute to the reduction of complex tool machining time by as much as 30 percent. Once integrated into tool production processes, the system concurrently performs measurement operations previously done in separate tool preparation areas or within the machine that produces the tool.

The system works seamlessly with Walter machines that process complex cutting tools using both grinding and electrical discharge erosion operations.

For ease of use, the new measuring system features an intuitive user interface and touchscreen operation. A live front-light image of the tool being processed speeds positioning of measuring points and provides a clear representation of cutting edges already measured, which enables shops to operate the system immediately and without the need for programming. Resulting XML data output from the measuring system instantaneously transfers to Walter Window Mode software within the grinding and eroding machines or to CNC measuring machines to save tool processing time.

The system measures tools as large as 350 mm in diameter and 400 mm long. It includes a workstation, a manual axis adjustment and an ISO 50 spindle, as well as a back-light camera with 45× magnification and a front light. The company is developing the machine’s capacity to also measure grinding wheels.