Precision Aggregate Heads – Made in Germany
Are you struggling with moving your work from one machine to another? Do you have to re-position the work-piece on your machine? Is your machine unable to perform specific criteria, which causes you to turn down business? If you have answered “yes” to any of these questions, continue reading this post for more information about aggregate heads!
Generally, companies consider purchasing an aggregate head for a CNC machine when an additional axis would reduce material handling and speed up production or when existing equipment does not have the capability needed to efficiently perform a job at hand. Since there are many styles and types of aggregates, choosing the right one is essential.
There are three primary considerations:
1) How long will you be “in the cut?” (Excessive heat resulting from the cutting action can cause aggregate failure.)
2) How are you cutting the material? (Will you be primarily routing or sawing?)
3) What type of material are you cutting? (Is it a dense material or a soft material?)
Aggregate head bodies are constructed of aluminum, which keeps the weight to a minimum on your machine spindle and in your carousel. This also allows the heat to dissipate, keeping the aggregate as cool as possible while it’s in the cut. Internally, our aggregates use beveled, calibrated gears to ensure there is minimal “backlash” in the gearing. As you can imagine, there is a lot of energy transferred to the gearing when the aggregate first enters the cut. That energy is transformed to heat. Based on this scenario, how you keep the aggregate cooled is critical to the longevity of the aggregate.
Viscous grease is the most common method of cooling/lubricating the gearing. A greased gear-lubricated aggregate is ideal for routing and light scoring of material. But, with viscous grease lubrication, there is a “catch”. During operation, the temperature of the aggregate cannot exceed 185 degrees Fahrenheit. That is the maximum heat index the grease can withstand. If the aggregate temperature exceeds 185 degrees, the grease will burn off, creating a metal-on-metal situation with the gearing, greatly increasing the temperature internally.
GDP | GUHDO offers highest quality CNC aggregate heads that are manufactured in the Black Forest region of Germany by Atemag AG.
source: Woodworking Network Interview with GUHDO Aggregate Sales Specialist Chris Kelly
For more information email or call us at 800-544-8436
FAQ
A CNC aggregate head is an accessory driven by the CNC spindle that changes the direction or function of the cutting tool. Depending on its configuration, an aggregate can enable horizontal drilling, right-angle routing, grooving, sawing, sanding and other operations that cannot be performed with a conventional vertical tool.
An aggregate head can allow a 3-axis CNC to perform certain operations normally associated with additional machining axes, including horizontal and angled machining. It does not turn the machine into a fully simultaneous 5-axis CNC, but for many specific applications it can provide the additional machining capability required without investing in a new 5-axis machine.
Aggregate heads can be configured for drilling, routing, milling, grooving, slotting, sawing, sanding and specialized angle machining. The appropriate configuration depends on the machine, material, cutting tool and operation.
Compatibility depends on the CNC manufacturer and model, spindle/tool interface, torque-arm connection and aggregate requirements. GDP Tooling confirms the machine’s torque-arm connection individually with each aggregate order to help ensure correct compatibility.
Aggregate heads are available for many popular CNC machining centers and routers, including Homag/Weeke, Biesse, SCM/Busellato, Holz-Her, Onsrud and Felder, as well as other CNC and point-to-point machines
Yes. Horizontal drilling is one of the most common applications for CNC aggregate heads, particularly in cabinet, furniture and component manufacturing, where holes must be machined into the edges or sides of a workpiece.
Yes, when the aggregate is specifically designed for a sawing application. GDP Tooling also offers CNC saw blades designed for aggregate heads, so the aggregate and blade can be matched to the application. Your existing site already cross-links that blade product to this aggregate page, which is a good internal relationship to preserve.
Start with your CNC manufacturer and model, spindle/interface, material being machined and the operation you need to perform. Details such as tool type and diameter, machining angle, speed requirements and production parameters can then be used to determine the appropriate aggregate configuration.
Aggregate heads are available in many standard executions, but the correct configuration depends on the CNC machine and application. Machine compatibility, torque-arm connection, tooling and operating requirements should be confirmed before ordering.
When only certain operations require horizontal or angled machining, an aggregate head can allow a manufacturer to expand the capabilities of an existing CNC rather than purchasing another machine solely for those operations. The economics depend on the application and production requirements, but aggregates can be a highly practical way to add specialized machining capability.
