Schneeberger NORMA

The Schneeberger NORMA is presented in the listed figures as an insert grinding machine with 5-axis simultaneous motion: X, Y and Z linear axes plus A and C rotary axes. The insert size is given as IC 50 mm (2.0 in) typical, and configuration-dependent. Schneeberger's current lineup does not carry a model called simply NORMA, which is worth knowing before comparing a machine offered under the name with these figures.

The wheel is large against the part: the listed grinding wheel diameter is up to 250 mm (9.8 in), five times the typical insert size. The grinding spindle runs up to 10,000 RPM with power up to 15 kW (20 HP). Both figures are upper limits, so the rating of a specific machine may be lower. Workholding is listed as precision collets, hydraulic mandrels and custom fixtures. For inserts that last item carries most of the weight: each insert shape needs its own clamping, and the fixtures that come with a machine decide what it can grind on the first day.

Resolution is 0.1 µm on the linear axes and 0.001° on the rotary axes, with positioning accuracy of ±2 µm on the linear axes. No accuracy is listed for the rotary axes. The control is a Schneeberger CNC with dedicated insert grinding software; the software row names insert geometry libraries, 5-axis toolpath generation and simulation. The base is cast iron or polymer composite depending on configuration, and coolant is high-pressure flood with fine filtration.