Blohm Profimat 412

Long, narrow workpieces are the case for the Blohm Profimat 412. Its table is 400 x 1,200 mm (15.7 x 47.2 in) with 1,300 mm (51.2 in) of longitudinal travel, three times as long as it is wide, and it is rated for workpieces up to 500 kg (1,100 lb). The model is not part of Blohm's current lineup and the listed figures are unconfirmed, so verify them on any machine you are offered.

What the extra length buys depends on the job. A single long part, such as a guide rail or a rack-like profile, can be ground in one clamping. Alternatively several short parts can be lined up in a row and ground in one stroke, which spreads the dressing and approach time over more pieces. Against the Profimat 408, which has a 400 x 800 mm (15.7 x 31.5 in) table and a 300 kg (660 lb) limit, the Profimat 412 has half as much table length again and a higher weight limit.

The grinding hardware is the same as listed for the shorter machine: a 22 kW (29.5 HP) spindle, a wheel of up to 400 mm (15.7 in) diameter and 100 mm (3.9 in) width, and a peripheral speed of up to 80 m/s. The table moves at 0.01 – 6,000 mm/min in creep feed and up to 40,000 mm/min in pendulum mode. On a 1,300 mm (51.2 in) stroke the pendulum figure matters more than on a short table, because every reversal covers more distance.

Cross travel is 450 mm (17.7 in), vertical travel 500 mm (19.7 in) and maximum workpiece height 300 mm (11.8 in). The X and Z axes are hydrostatic, the base is polymer concrete of the Granitan type, and the control is a Siemens 840D sl with the Blohm OP 15 interface. For heavier or wider work, the PROFIMAT MT 612 is listed with a 600 × 1,200 mm (23.6 × 47.2 in) table, 1,200 kg (2,646 lb) and a 37 kW (49.6 HP) spindle.