EMAG has expanded its grinding portfolio with the launch of the UG Series, a new range of universal grinding machines designed to meet diverse precision manufacturing requirements.
The UG Series integrates proven grinding technology with a cost-efficient machine base, offering a balanced solution for manufacturers seeking high flexibility, precision, and process reliability. The machines are engineered to handle internal, external, and out-of-round grinding applications, making them suitable for a wide spectrum of industrial tasks.
The series includes models with grinding lengths ranging from 400 mm to 1,500 mm, addressing varying production needs. This range allows the UG Series to serve applications from compact workshop environments—such as toolmaking operations—to large-scale production setups involving longer shafts and complex component geometries.
Designed for versatility, the machines support workpieces clamped between centers or held in a chuck, ensuring adaptability across multiple manufacturing scenarios. With this introduction, EMAG aims to provide a robust and economical grinding solution tailored to modern precision engineering demands.
UG Series Offered in Four Variants to Cover Wide Application Spectrum
EMAG has structured its UG Series into four machine variants to address diverse production requirements across industries.
The range includes:
- UG 400 with a grinding length of 400 mm
- UG 630 with a grinding length of 630 mm
- UG 1000 with a grinding length of 1,000 mm
- UG 1500 with a grinding length of 1,500 mm
This tiered configuration enables manufacturers to select a machine that precisely matches their component dimensions, from smaller precision parts to longer shafts and complex workpieces.
Technically, the UG Series is built on a robust foundation featuring linear guides in the X and Z axes, servo drives with recirculating ball screws, and direct-drive motorized grinding spindles. These elements ensure high positioning accuracy, smooth motion control, and consistent grinding performance.
The machines come with a standard center height of 175 mm and can handle a maximum workpiece weight of up to 120 kilograms in the UG 1000 model. For applications requiring greater capacity, larger center heights and higher permissible workpiece weights can be accommodated through optional equipment packages, further enhancing the series’ flexibility.
Grinding head – precision through direct drive
The grinding head is equipped with direct-drive motor spindles. The spindle power is up to 11 kilowatts. As there is no belt drive, there are no sources of vibration, and the torque is transmitted without loss. This leads to uniform power transmission and reduces vibrations during the grinding process.
The automatically swiveling B-axis enables infinitely variable positioning between -15° and +225° with an accuracy of 0.0005 degrees. This precision is required for surface and contour grinding, where the exact angular position of the grinding wheel determines the machining result. The achievable peripheral speed of the grinding wheel is 50 meters per second. Precision grinding spindles are used for internal machining. These spindles are characterized by high motor speeds and a robust bearing with oil-air lubrication, which is required for internal grinding of small bores.
Workhead – rigidity and concentricity
The workhead is equipped with precision tapered roller bearings that ensure high rigidity. The concentricity accuracy on the test workpiece is 0.5 micrometers. This accuracy is the result of the rigid bearings and the quality of the components used.
A swivel range of 0° to +30° enables various grinding strategies for cone grinding. A pneumatic lifting device facilitates set-up and positioning of the workpiece. AE sensory equipment can be integrated as an option. These sensors detect the contact between the grinding wheel and workpiece and reduce idle times.
An optional workpiece spindle with C-axis is available for out-of-round and thread grinding. In this case, the workpiece spindle is designed as a motor spindle with rotary positioning. This enables synchronized movements between the feed of the grinding spindle and the rotation of the workpiece.
Tailstock – precision centering when grinding between centers
The standard tailstock is equipped with a quill with a diameter of 63 millimeters for MK4 centers. It runs low backlash in the guide, which enables precise centering of the workpiece. A fine adjustment of ±40 micrometers allow the correction of taper deviations and ensures concentricity of well under one micrometer.
Manual or hydraulic actuation systems are available. The hydraulic version speeds up workpiece changeover, as the quill is automatically retracted after machining. An integrated sensory equipment monitors the correct position of the workpiece tip and increases process reliability.
Dressing systems – ensuring constant grinding conditions
Various dressing systems are available for different requirements. Dressing is an essential part of the grinding process, as the geometry and sharpness of the grinding wheel significantly determine the surface quality and dimensional accuracy.
The following systems are available:
- Table dresser with flexible positioning: The table dresser can be placed at any position on the top table. This flexibility allows it to be adapted to different workpiece geometries and grinding wheel diameters. The user can optimize the dressing position for specific workpieces, which shortens set-up times for frequently changing production tasks.
- Dressing spindle on the workhead: The dressing spindle is mounted at the rear of the workhead and enables automated dressing without manual intervention. This solution is suitable for batch production where constant dressing cycles increase process reliability. Integration into the machine structure reduces the footprint and shortens non-productive times.
- Holder for dressing tiles on the tailstock and workhead: For simple dressing tasks, holders for dressing tiles can be mounted on the tailstock or workhead. This cost-effective solution is suitable for manual dressing processes or as a supplement to automated systems.
The modular design allows the dressing system to be adapted to the respective application. The selection of a suitable dressing system depends on the type of grinding wheel, number of pieces, workpiece geometry and required surface qualities.
Of course, the machines in the UG Series can be extended according to customer requirements, for example with NC synchronous tailstock, in-process measuring technology, automatic tailstock with NC axis, hydraulic steady rests and many other options.
Control and operation
The UG machines are equipped with the FANUC 0i-TF CNC control as standard. This control offers a dialog-oriented HMI that simplifies programming and operation. User guidance is logically structured, and frequently used functions are directly accessible.
The FANUC 31iB Plus is available for more complex contours, especially for out-of-round and thread grinding. This controller has a higher computing power and supports extended functions for synchronized motion control. Interpolation between the axes is performed with high precision, which is necessary for machining out-of-round geometries.
The use of FANUC controllers offers advantages in international applications. The controllers are used worldwide, service availability is high and spare parts are available at short notice. This minimizes downtime and facilitates the training of operators who are familiar with FANUC controls.
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