VLC 350 GT: Combined machining of vehicle and grinding, a powerful tool for efficiency improvement!

The VLC GT series is one of the most successful new products from EMAG in recent years. It integrates automated picking, vertical machining, and various hard machining technologies into a single machine design, enabling innovative manufacturing solutions and elevating machining efficiency to a new level.
In this article, we have specially interviewed Mr. Manfred Winkler, the head of EMAG's German Grinding Business Unit, who will provide you with a detailed introduction to the design, development, and application information of the VLC 350 GT turning/grinding center.


EMAG VLC 350 GT turning and grinding compound machining machine

What is the most important feature of the VLC 350 GT?

EMAG's VLC 350 GT is a versatile machine tool capable of machining workpieces with diameters up to 350 mm. Its main features include combined machining of hard turning and grinding, a large working area, rapid automatic tool pickup, a 12-station turret, and grinding spindles for internal and external grinding.


VLC GT 的内部视图：将车削和磨削技术整合在一台机床上的实例 　　


The turret of the VLC GT machine tool is a key factor in achieving high flexibility and efficiency, capable of meeting different machining requirements


The integrated measuring probe of VLC GT is used for quality assurance and post-processing workpiece inspection

Which applications are suitable for this machine tool?

The typical application of the wheel-and-disc combination technology on the VLC 350 GT is the hard machining of disc-type components, gears of various designs, sprockets, pump rings, and bearings. It features high flexibility, high productivity, and high quality, especially when machining pump rings. Pump rings play an important role in the manufacturing process of pumps, as they contribute significantly to the accuracy and efficiency of hydraulic systems. A specific application example is the radial piston pump, which is widely used for lubricant pumping in systems, machines, and automatic transmissions.

What are the advantages of the VLC 350 GT in terms of flexibility and production efficiency?

The VLC 350 GT boasts a spacious working area, wide operating doors, and a plethora of optional processing units, making it easy for workpiece debugging and use. It can quickly adapt to different production requirements, whether it's small or large batch production, and is highly flexible.

What do you think is the biggest advantage of combination technology?

The combination of turning and grinding technologies on the VLC GT offers multiple advantages. By combining several processes such as hard turning and grinding on a single machine tool, considerable processing potential can be tapped into, gaining advantages in terms of complete processing, quality, and flexibility through process combination. This technology has been proven in practice and can effectively shorten the processing cycle. If the entire post-heat finishing process is completed on a single machine tool, it can significantly reduce production cycles as well as transportation and idle time. In addition, it also has the advantage of reducing debugging procedures and the number of debugging attempts.




The VLC 350 GT grinding spindle is used for internal and external grinding

What unique features does the VLC 350 GT possess in terms of technological diversity?

The unique technological diversity of the VLC 350 GT lies in its ability to integrate multiple machining technologies, such as hard and soft turning, cylindrical grinding, drilling, reaming, milling, and honing, to efficiently handle workpieces of various sizes and complexity levels.