Schneeberger Aries NGP

$400,000 - $600,000 Updated 2026-03-14

Key Specifications

X Travel

350 mm (13.8 in)

Y Travel

250 mm (9.8 in)

Z Travel

200 mm (7.9 in)

grinding type

5-Axis Insert & PCD Tool Grinding

axes

5 CNC axes (X, Y, Z, A, C)

a axis

+/-110 degrees swivel

Overview

The Schneeberger Aries NGP is a high-precision 5-axis CNC grinding machine engineered for production grinding of indexable inserts, PCD/PCBN cutting tools, and small precision components. Where the Gemini NGM targets rotary tool grinding, the Aries NGP is purpose-built for the exacting tolerances and surface finishes required in insert manufacturing — periphery grinding, top/bottom grinding, chipbreaker grinding, and edge preparation on cemented carbide, cermet, PCD, and PCBN substrates.

The machine features a direct-drive high-frequency grinding spindle capable of speeds up to 12,000 RPM with 15 kW of continuous power. The 5-axis configuration (X, Y, Z, A, C) provides the flexibility to grind complex insert geometries including negative rake angles, wiper edges, and 3D chipbreaker profiles in a single setup. Axis resolution is 0.0001 mm on linear axes, which is essential when grinding insert tolerances that routinely demand +/-0.005 mm on inscribed circle dimensions and +/-0.013 mm on thickness. The working envelope handles insert sizes from IC 6 mm up to IC 50 mm.

Schneeberger's QUINTO software drives the Aries NGP with dedicated insert grinding modules that understand the specific geometry conventions and tolerance schemes used in indexable insert manufacturing. The software generates grinding paths based on ISO insert designations (CNMG, WNMG, DNMG, etc.) and handles the complex kinematics of periphery grinding with automatic compensation for wheel wear. Integration with optical and tactile measurement systems enables closed-loop manufacturing, which is critical when producing inserts at volumes where manual inspection of every piece isn't practical.

The Aries NGP targets insert manufacturers, PCD tool producers, and precision grinding job shops. With a typical price range of $400,000-$600,000 new, it competes with the Agathon Neo, Wendt WAC 715, and Coborn PG3B in the precision insert and PCD grinding segment. The machine's combination of 5-axis flexibility and production automation capability makes it particularly attractive for shops that need to grind a variety of insert styles without dedicating individual machines to each geometry.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Grinding Type	5-Axis Insert & PCD Tool Grinding
Axes	5 CNC axes (X, Y, Z, A, C)
X-Axis Travel	350 mm (13.8 in)
Y-Axis Travel	250 mm (9.8 in)
Z-Axis Travel	200 mm (7.9 in)
A Axis	+/-110 degrees swivel
C Axis	360 degrees continuous rotation
Axis Resolution	0.0001 mm (0.000004 in) on linear axes
Max Insert Size	IC 50 mm (2.0 in)
Min Insert Size	IC 6 mm (0.24 in)
Grinding Spindle Power	15 kW (20 hp)
Grinding Spindle Speed	Up to 12,000 RPM
Max Wheel Diameter	200 mm (7.9 in)
CNC Control	Fanuc 31i-B5 or Siemens 840D sl
Software	Schneeberger QUINTO with insert grinding modules
Machine Weight	5,500 kg (12,125 lb)
Machine Dimensions	2,800 x 2,200 x 2,200 mm (110.2 x 86.6 x 86.6 in)

Specifications sourced from schneeberger.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Purpose-built for insert grinding with dedicated QUINTO modules that understand ISO insert geometry conventions and tolerance schemes
0.0001 mm axis resolution enables the tight tolerances (+/-0.005 mm IC, +/-0.013 mm thickness) required in insert manufacturing
5-axis flexibility grinds periphery, top/bottom, chipbreaker, and edge preparation in a single setup across multiple insert styles
High-frequency 12,000 RPM spindle is optimized for the diamond wheels used in PCD and PCBN tool grinding
Closed-loop integration with optical and tactile measurement systems maintains quality across production batches
Handles the full range of insert substrates: cemented carbide, cermet, PCD, PCBN, and ceramic

Limitations

Highly specialized machine — not versatile for general cylindrical or tool grinding applications outside of inserts and small precision components
At $400K-$600K, the investment requires sufficient insert production volume or high-value PCD/PCBN work to justify
Smaller working envelope compared to rotary tool grinders limits the machine to inserts and small components only
Schneeberger's installed base for insert grinding is smaller than Agathon's in some markets, which may affect spare parts availability
Insert grinding process knowledge is specialized — shops new to insert manufacturing face a learning curve beyond the machine itself

Best For

Indexable insert manufacturers grinding carbide, cermet, PCD, and PCBN inserts at production volumes PCD and PCBN cutting tool producers needing high-precision edge preparation and chipbreaker grinding Precision grinding shops that produce a variety of insert geometries and need 5-axis flexibility rather than dedicated single-purpose machines Carbide tool manufacturers grinding inserts from IC 6 mm up to IC 50 mm with ISO standard and custom geometries Shops requiring closed-loop insert grinding with integrated measurement for consistent quality across large production batches Companies grinding specialty inserts for aerospace, medical, and automotive applications with demanding tolerance specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Schneeberger Aries NGP cost?

New Aries NGP machines typically price between $400,000 and $600,000 depending on spindle configuration, automation options, and integrated measurement systems.

02 How does the Aries NGP differ from the Gemini NGM?

The Aries NGP is purpose-built for insert and PCD tool grinding with higher axis resolution (0.0001 mm), a smaller working envelope, and dedicated insert grinding software modules. The Gemini NGM is designed for rotary cutting tool grinding (end mills, drills, reamers) with larger travel and a different spindle configuration.

03 What insert types can the Aries NGP grind?

The machine grinds all standard ISO insert geometries (CNMG, WNMG, DNMG, TNMG, SNMG, etc.) as well as custom and special-form inserts. It handles periphery grinding, top/bottom grinding, chipbreaker grinding, and edge preparation.

04 Can the Aries NGP grind PCD inserts?

Yes. The 12,000 RPM high-frequency spindle is well-suited for the diamond grinding wheels used in PCD and PCBN tool grinding. The machine's precision and 5-axis flexibility handle the complex geometries typical of brazed PCD inserts.

05 What automation options are available?

Schneeberger offers robotic loading systems for pallet-based insert handling, enabling lights-out production runs. The QUINTO software manages job queuing and the integrated measurement interface provides closed-loop quality control.