Switzerland-based Studer, a leader in the manufacture of high-quality cylindrical grinding machines, has enhanced its entry-level favoritCNC universal cylindrical grinding machine range. This upgrade builds on years of expertise in grinding and mechanical engineering, delivering advanced technology with high precision and easy operation, all at an affordable price.
Studer CEO Sandro Bottazzo highlighted the machine’s new features, stating, “With numerous upgrades, optimizations, and automation capabilities, the favoritCNC is a future-proof and cost-effective solution for both external and internal cylindrical grinding of small- to medium-sized workpieces. It is ideal for high-quality contract manufacturing and in-house production.”
Modern Technology and Automation Features
The latest version of the favoritCNC is equipped with a modern Fanuc 0i-TFPCNC control, cutting-edge software, and smart automation capabilities. A new automatic operating door and loader interface enable customers to automate their production independently. In addition, the machine has been optimized for sustainability, efficiency, and ergonomics, offering easier and safer operation.
One notable feature is the simple grinding wheel changing aid, which boosts user-friendliness. An optional park position for the tailstock within the machine also improves convenience. Other enhancements include a more stable wheel-head due to a larger distance between the X guideways, a resource-efficient belt spindle system, a digital display for the swivel angle on the manual B-axis, and an optional ‘QuickSet’ function that allows for fast re-tooling.
Flexibility for Diverse Applications
Flexibility was a key focus for Studer when designing the favoritCNC, catering to customers in the entry-level segment. The machine offers two wheel-head variants: a fixed wheel-head for productive external grinding (manual positioning 0/15/30 degrees) and a universal wheel-head for both external and internal grinding (with grinding in one clamping and manual swiveling via a 2.5-degree Hirth coupling).
Customers can also choose from various configuration options, such as a fixed or swiveling worktable, as well as additional systems like measuring and balancing systems, grinding detection, and longitudinal positioning. These features allow the machine to be adapted or retrofitted for different grinding tasks and production requirements.
High-Quality Manufacturing and Performance
The favoritCNC is built with high-quality components that reflect Studer’s 112-year history in innovative cylindrical grinding. The machine includes premium components from the company’s top-tier models, such as the workhead, grinding spindles, guideways, and drives. The machine bed is made from Granitan® S103, Studer’s proprietary mineral casting, known for its excellent damping and thermal properties, ensuring top-notch surface quality.
Easy Operation with Advanced Software
The favoritCNC is designed for user-friendly operation, featuring a 10.4-inch flat screen and an ergonomic manual control unit positioned close to the grinding process. Studer’s in-house developed and optimized StuderPictogramming and StuderGRIND software offer digital solutions that make complex grinding setups and control intuitive, even for beginners.
The machine’s digital capabilities extend to grinding non-circular forms and threads, thanks to Studer-Thread and StuderForm software. Even those with limited knowledge of CNC grinding can quickly produce high-quality results. Furthermore, the machine offers a conventional grinding mode, allowing users to operate it manually for efficient, high-quality results without the need for programming expertise. This makes the transition from a conventional machine to a CNC machine seamless.
In conclusion, Bottazzo stated, “The new favoritCNC is an optimal solution for a wide variety of grinding applications.”
