Rollomatic GrindSmart 629XW
Key Specifications
Accuracy
Repeatability
max tool diameter
max tool length
grinding spindle speed
grinding spindle power
Overview
The Rollomatic GrindSmart 629XW is a 6-axis CNC tool and cutter grinding machine from the Swiss manufacturer Rollomatic, designed for producing and resharpening solid carbide cutting tools up to 200 mm in length and 16 mm in diameter. The 629XW sits in Rollomatic's mid-range lineup, optimized for shops and tool manufacturers that produce drills, endmills, step tools, and complex profile tools from carbide blanks at medium-to-high volumes.
The machine features a high-frequency grinding spindle running up to 10,000 RPM with 13 kW of power, driving grinding wheels up to 150 mm in diameter. The 6-axis configuration (X, Y, Z, A, B, and C) provides the kinematic flexibility to grind complex tool geometries including variable helix angles, chip breakers, and corner radii — profiles that require simultaneous multi-axis interpolation. The linear axes achieve positioning accuracy of ±0.001 mm with repeatability of ±0.0005 mm, specifications that directly translate to the geometric accuracy of the cutting tools being produced.
Rollomatic's proprietary VirtualGrind Pro software is a standout feature. It provides a parametric programming environment where tool geometries are defined by their functional parameters (helix angle, rake angle, core diameter, flute count, relief angles) rather than by grinding wheel paths. The software simulates the complete grinding process before committing to material, catching interference issues and optimizing cycle times. This approach dramatically reduces programming time compared to manual teach-based systems and enables operators to go from a tool drawing to a finished program in minutes.
The 629XW competes with machines from ANCA (FX7, MX7), Walter Helitronic, and Vollmer. Against the ANCA FX7, the Rollomatic offers superior Swiss-made precision and the VirtualGrind Pro software advantage, but at a higher price point. New GrindSmart 629XW machines typically price between $350,000 and $500,000 depending on automation, wheel packs, and options. For dedicated tool grinding operations that value precision, software capability, and Swiss build quality, the 629XW is a top-tier choice.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Tool Diameter | 16 mm (0.63 in) |
| Max Tool Length | 200 mm (7.87 in) |
| Grinding Spindle Speed | 10,000 RPM |
| Grinding Spindle Power | 13 kW (17.4 hp) |
| Max Wheel Diameter | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Axes | 6 CNC axes (X, Y, Z, A, B, C) |
| Positioning Accuracy | ±0.001 mm (±0.00004 in) |
| Repeatability | ±0.0005 mm (±0.00002 in) |
| Wheel Packs | Up to 6 grinding wheels |
| Loader Capacity | Up to 500 tools (with automation) |
| Software | VirtualGrind Pro |
| CNC Control | Rollomatic proprietary CNC |
| Machine Weight | 5,200 kg (11,464 lb) |
| Coolant | Oil-based (standard) |
Specifications sourced from rollomatic.ch — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- VirtualGrind Pro parametric software dramatically reduces programming time — define tool geometry by functional parameters rather than grinding wheel paths, with full simulation before grinding
- ±0.001 mm positioning accuracy and ±0.0005 mm repeatability deliver the geometric precision required for high-performance cutting tools
- 6-axis configuration handles complex tool geometries including variable helix, chip breakers, and multi-step profiles in a single setup
- Swiss-made build quality with thermal compensation ensures dimensional consistency across long production runs
- Automation-ready with integrated loader supporting up to 500 tools for unattended production of standard tool ranges
- 13 kW grinding spindle with wheels up to 150 mm provides efficient material removal rates on carbide blanks
Limitations
- 16 mm maximum tool diameter limits the machine to small-to-medium cutting tools — shops producing large endmills or drills above 16mm need a larger platform
- $350K-$500K price point is at the premium end of the market, 20-30% more than comparable ANCA machines for similar capacity
- Rollomatic's proprietary control and software create vendor lock-in — operators trained on ANCA or Walter systems face a retraining period
- Oil-based coolant system requires proper ventilation and mist collection, adding to installation costs compared to water-based systems
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
VirtualGrind Pro is Rollomatic's proprietary parametric programming software for tool grinding. Instead of programming grinding wheel paths manually, you define the cutting tool's geometry (helix angle, rake angle, relief angles, core diameter, flute count) and the software calculates the optimal grinding wheel paths automatically. It includes full 3D simulation to verify the result before grinding. This approach reduces programming time from hours to minutes for standard tools and eliminates costly trial-and-error on expensive carbide blanks.
02
Both are excellent 6-axis tool grinders in a similar size class. The Rollomatic 629XW offers superior positioning accuracy (±0.001mm vs. ±0.002mm) and the VirtualGrind Pro software advantage. The ANCA FX7 offers a lower price point ($250K-$380K vs. $350K-$500K), a larger user community, and iGrind software that many operators already know. For maximum precision and software capability, choose the Rollomatic; for value and ecosystem familiarity, the ANCA is strong.
03
New GrindSmart 629XW machines price between $350,000 and $500,000 depending on automation (loader type and capacity), wheel pack configuration, coolant system options, and measurement accessories. A base machine without automation sits around $350K, while a fully automated cell with a 500-tool loader and in-process measurement pushes toward $500K. Used Rollomatic machines hold value well due to limited supply.
04
The 629XW is primarily designed for solid carbide tool grinding. PCD (polycrystalline diamond) and CBN (cubic boron nitride) tools require specialized grinding wheels and typically higher spindle power. Rollomatic offers the GrindSmart 830XW for larger tools and some PCD capability. For dedicated PCD grinding, purpose-built machines from Vollmer or Walter are more appropriate.
05
The 629XW produces a wide range of solid carbide cutting tools: standard and special endmills (flat, ball, corner radius), twist drills, step drills, reamers, chamfer tools, thread mills, and complex profile tools. The 6-axis configuration handles variable helix angles, chip breakers, unequal flute spacing, and multi-step geometries. It covers the full spectrum of solid carbide round tools up to 16 mm diameter and 200 mm length.
06
Yes. Rollomatic provides factory training at their Swiss headquarters or regional training centers, typically 5-10 days depending on the operator's experience level. The VirtualGrind Pro software, while intuitive in concept, requires training to master the parametric approach and simulation tools. Operators with experience on other tool grinders adapt faster, but even experienced grinder operators benefit from the full training program.
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