Page 52 - MACHINE TOOLS WORLD - September 2021

TECH INNOVATION

Effective machining of connecting rods at Linamar Precision workpiece carrier wheel
From left to right: André Schmiedel, Operations Manager & Ronny With recesses tailored to the workpiece for ultra-precise double surface
Rose, Shift Manager at Linamar Powertrain GmbH attend to the grinding of the connecting rods. (Source: JUNKER)
SATURN grinding machine. (Source: Linamar)

Mr. Schmiedel can attest to this: “The SATURN grinding
machine successfully manages to meet the OEM‘s requirements
in terms of parallelism, planarity and surface roughness with
precision. This grinding technology is a cost-effective and
efficient process.” Once fully machined, the connecting rod is
conveyed hanging from the unloading rail, and then cleaned
before traveling along a conveyor belt to the next station on the
production line. Precise grinding results of Linamar‘s connecting rods
Precision grinding results in line with the drawing requirements
Flexible applications and versatility specified by Linamar‘s OEM customers. (Source: Linamar).
With the SATURN double surface grinding machine from such as valve plates, bearing housings and pump housings.
JUNKER, plane-parallel workpieces of wide-ranging shapes The SATURN is capable of processing various materials; for
and geometries can be machined both efficiently and precisely. instance, Linamar uses it with not only microalloyed steels but
Besides connecting rods, these workpieces include rolling also sintered metal.
elements, rings, universal joints, cams, needle cages or ball As Mr. Schmiedel explains, „with the SATURN, we‘ve got a
cages, pistons, coupling components and stamped parts high-performance grinding machine that enables us to offer
of every kind. The segments that pick up different types of our OEM companies excellent availability while also ensuring
workpiece are quick and easy to change. The grinding machine the tolerances are observed at all times. The JUNKER grinding
is also particularly well suited to machining heavy workpieces, machine is flexible and with just a few maneuvers of the hand,
it can quickly be converted to accommodate new requirements.
The efficiency of minimal service expenditure combined with
consistently high quality results has never failed to impress us.“

Parallels in the companies‘ histories
Over years of collaboration, it has become clear that
professionalism has given rise to a working partnership. Linamar
and JUNKER are united not only by a passion for innovative
technologies, but also by a similar company history. Frank
Hasenfratz and manufacturer Erwin Junker both started out
in small workshops and have both succeeded in generating
interest in their technologies through innovative business ideas.
SATURN flexible grinding machine with conveyor belt For more information,
The conveyor belts bring a level of automation to the loading and
unloading processes in production. (Source: JUNKER) Website: www.junker-group.de

48 MACHINE TOOLS WORLD SEPTEMBER 2021 www.mtwmag.com