Rollomatic VersaGrind 500
Key Specifications
grinding axes
grinding applications
max tool diameter
max workpiece between centers
grinding wheel diameter
grinding spindle power
Overview
The Rollomatic VersaGrind 500 is a versatile 5-axis CNC grinding center designed to bridge the gap between dedicated tool grinders and cylindrical grinding machines — capable of grinding solid carbide and HSS cutting tools, precision cylindrical components, and non-round profiles on a single platform. Where the GrindSmart and SharpSmart series optimize for specific tool grinding applications, the VersaGrind 500 is Rollomatic's answer to shops that need grinding flexibility across cutting tools, punch and die components, precision cylindrical parts, and specialty profiles within a single machine investment.
The VersaGrind 500's defining feature is its wheel system flexibility. The machine accepts both conventional abrasives (aluminum oxide, silicon carbide) and superabrasives (CBN, diamond) across a broad wheel diameter range. The grinding spindle's power and speed range accommodates the different wheel and process requirements across this application breadth — from high-speed, high-power carbide flute grinding to low-speed, high-torque conventional wheel operations for cylindrical components. This breadth in a single machine is what the 'Versa' designation communicates.
Five-axis simultaneous capability (X, Y, Z linear axes plus A and C rotary axes) provides the geometric freedom for both tool grinding and complex cylindrical profile grinding. For tool grinding operations, the same Virtual Grinding software that drives the GrindSmart series generates programs from tool geometry parameters. For cylindrical and profile grinding operations, a separate cylindrical grinding software module handles workpiece-between-centers setup, plunge and traverse cycles, and profile dressing.
Workholding configurations cover both tool grinding (precision collet chuck in the A axis) and cylindrical grinding (centers and chuck in a workhead configuration). Changing between workholding modes requires a setup change of approximately 30-60 minutes, making the VersaGrind 500 more suited to medium-batch, moderate-flexibility grinding than high-volume single-application production.
The machine base is polymer concrete, providing the vibration damping essential for surface finish quality across all grinding operations. The direct-drive motorized grinding spindle provides the speed range and low vibration required for both fine carbide tool operations and heavier cylindrical grinding.
Pricing for the VersaGrind 500 falls in the $250,000-$380,000 range, positioning it as an accessible multi-purpose grinding investment for shops that cannot justify separate dedicated machines for different grinding applications.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Grinding Axes | 5-axis simultaneous (X, Y, Z linear + A, C rotary) |
| Grinding Applications | Solid carbide tools, HSS tools, cylindrical components, profiles |
| Max Tool Diameter | Up to 100 mm (3.9 in) (tool grinding mode) |
| Max Workpiece Between Centers | Up to 500 mm (19.7 in) (cylindrical mode) |
| Grinding Wheel Diameter | Up to 350 mm (13.8 in) |
| Grinding Spindle Power | Up to 18 kW (24 HP) |
| Grinding Spindle Speed | 100 - 10,000 RPM |
| Spindle Type | Direct-drive motorized spindle |
| Abrasive Compatibility | Conventional, CBN, diamond |
| Machine Base | Polymer concrete |
| CNC Control | Rollomatic CNC with Virtual Grinding and cylindrical grinding software modules |
| Workholding Modes | Collet chuck (tool grinding) / centers and chuck (cylindrical mode) |
| Coolant | Flood coolant with filtration |
Specifications sourced from rollomatic.ch — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Single machine handles both cutting tool grinding and cylindrical/profile component grinding — eliminates the need for separate dedicated machines in mixed-application shops
- Broad abrasive compatibility (conventional, CBN, diamond) across a wide wheel diameter range accommodates the different wheel requirements for each application type
- 100 mm tool diameter capacity in grinding mode handles larger-diameter end mills and reamers that smaller dedicated tool grinders cannot accommodate
- Virtual Grinding software for tool operations combined with a cylindrical grinding module provides familiar programming environments for both application types
- Polymer concrete base and direct-drive spindle provide consistent surface finish quality across the machine's diverse application range
- Lower entry price than dedicated 6-axis GrindSmart machines makes the VersaGrind 500 accessible for smaller shops seeking grinding flexibility
Limitations
- The VersaGrind 500 is a generalist — it does not achieve the cycle times or edge quality of a dedicated GrindSmart 628XW for high-volume carbide end mills, nor the depth of cylindrical grinding capability of a dedicated cylindrical grinder
- Switching between tool grinding and cylindrical grinding workholding modes requires 30-60 minutes of setup — not suited to rapid application switching in high-mix environments
- 5-axis architecture limits tool geometry complexity — shops requiring complex undercut profiles and 6th-axis approach geometries need the 628XW
- The spindle's broad speed range (optimized for versatility rather than a specific application) means it may not achieve the ideal operating parameters for the most demanding operations in either tool grinding or cylindrical grinding
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
For dedicated carbide end mill production, the GrindSmart 625XF is superior — it is purpose-built for this application with optimized wheel pack configuration, tighter workholding runout specification, and software tuned for tool grinding throughput. The VersaGrind 500 can grind carbide end mills competently, but its versatility design means it does not match the GrindSmart's cycle time or edge quality on a dedicated end mill program. Choose the VersaGrind 500 if carbide end mill production is one application among several you need to serve; choose the 625XF if carbide end mills are the primary or sole grinding application.
02
In cylindrical grinding mode with workpiece-between-centers setup, the VersaGrind 500 performs external cylindrical plunge and traverse grinding, taper grinding via wheelhead swivel, and limited internal grinding with a small ID spindle attachment. Workpiece diameter capability in cylindrical mode is constrained by the center height configuration — typically up to 200 mm workpiece diameter is achievable. For precision cylindrical grinding of long shafts requiring high material removal rates, a dedicated cylindrical grinder remains more productive. The VersaGrind 500 handles cylindrical grinding well for medium-size components where the application volume does not justify a dedicated machine.
03
Switching between tool grinding and cylindrical grinding modes requires changing the workholding configuration on the machine's A/C axis. This involves removing the collet chuck used for tool grinding, installing the workhead (centers and chuck assembly) for cylindrical grinding, and reconfiguring the coolant nozzles and software profile. An experienced setup technician completes this changeover in 30-60 minutes. Within each mode, changing between different tool families (different end mill diameters, different drill types) typically takes 5-20 minutes — wheel selection, collet change, and software program selection. The machine is best suited to batch scheduling where similar applications are grouped together to minimize changeover frequency.
04
Yes for the tool grinding programming module — the VersaGrind 500 runs the same Virtual Grinding software as the GrindSmart family for tool grinding operations. The cylindrical grinding module is a separate software application within the same CNC environment, providing a different programming interface optimized for workpiece-between-centers grinding with plunge, traverse, and dressing cycle management. Operators who know Virtual Grinding from the GrindSmart can use it on the VersaGrind 500 without retraining. The cylindrical grinding module requires separate training.
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Links to community discussions. Summaries are editorial — visit the original thread for full context.
