Vollmer VGrind 260S
Key Specifications
Accuracy
Repeatability
max tool diameter
max tool length
shank diameter range
axes
Overview
The Vollmer VGrind 260S is a 5-axis CNC grinding machine designed specifically for grinding solid carbide round tools — end mills, drills, reamers, and form tools up to 260 mm in length and 26 mm in diameter. It is Vollmer's flagship tool grinding platform in the sub-30mm tool diameter class and is engineered for high-volume carbide tool production where precision, speed, and automation define competitiveness.
The VGrind 260S uses Vollmer's unique two-spindle concept, where two independently driven grinding wheels are arranged on a single spindle housing. This configuration allows sequential operations on both spindles in a single fixture without changing the grinding wheel — one spindle runs the coarse (roughing) wheel and the other the fine (finishing) wheel. Tool changeover between operations is eliminated, reducing cycle time by up to 40% compared to single-spindle machines requiring wheel changes.
The machine accommodates shanks from 3 to 26 mm in diameter and handles tools up to 260 mm long. Positioning axes include 5 CNC axes (X, Y, Z linear + A and C rotary) with linear motors on X and Y for maximum dynamic response. The HC 4 control system (Helitronic Control 4) handles all 5-axis simultaneous motion with collision detection. Automated loading is available via Vollmer's VL chain-type tool loader, enabling unmanned overnight production runs of thousands of tools.
The VGrind 260S competes directly with the ANCA MX7 ULTRA, the Walter Helitronic Vision 400, and the Rollomatic GrindSmart 528XW. Vollmer's two-spindle concept and Helitronic Control differentiate it in high-volume carbide end mill grinding. Pricing typically runs $700,000–$1.1M for a fully-automated system with loading.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Tool Diameter | 26 mm (1.02 in) |
| Max Tool Length | 260 mm (10.2 in) from collet face |
| Shank Diameter Range | 3 - 26 mm |
| Axes | 5 CNC axes: X, Y, Z (linear) + A, C (rotary) |
| X Y Drive | Linear motors on X and Y |
| Grinding Spindles | Two independently driven spindles (coarse + fine concept) |
| Grinding Spindle Power | 12 kW each |
| Grinding Spindle Speed | Up to 18,000 RPM |
| Wheel Diameter | Up to 200 mm per spindle |
| A Axis Range | ±120 degrees |
| C Axis Rotation | Unlimited continuous |
| Positioning Accuracy | ±0.002 mm |
| Repeatability | ±0.001 mm |
| Machine Weight | 6,800 kg (14,991 lb) |
| CNC Control | Vollmer HC 4 (Helitronic Control 4) |
| Coolant | Oil mist through-tool coolant |
| Loading Option | Vollmer VL chain loader (optional, up to 1,200 tools) |
| Electrical | 400 VAC 3-phase 50 Hz |
Specifications sourced from vollmer-group.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Two-spindle concept with coarse and fine wheels reduces cycle time by up to 40% by eliminating single-fixture wheel changes during the grinding sequence
- Linear motors on X and Y axes provide maximum dynamic response and positioning accuracy critical for complex helical flute and profile grinding
- Optional VL chain loader enables fully unattended production grinding of thousands of tools overnight, directly competing with high-volume tool production shops
- 5-axis simultaneous grinding with Helitronic Control 4 handles complex geometries — variable helix, eccentric grinding, special point angles — with collision-free paths
- Flexible tool range from 3–26 mm shank covers the majority of solid carbide round tool production without machine change
Limitations
- Limited to 26 mm maximum diameter — large-diameter end mills (32 mm+), inserted-tooth tools, and drills above 26 mm require the larger VGrind 360S or 640S
- Price of $700K–$1.1M is appropriate only for dedicated carbide tool production operations with sufficient volume to amortize the investment
- Vollmer's European service network is stronger than North American — US shops should confirm local service support before purchase
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The VGrind 260S has two separate grinding spindles mounted on the same spindle housing — one runs a coarse roughing wheel and one runs a fine finishing wheel. The tool is loaded once, and the CNC control sequences operations on both spindles without removing the tool from the fixture. This eliminates the time penalty of single-spindle wheel changes (unclamping, changing wheel, re-clamping, re-dressing) between rough and finish passes. Vollmer claims up to 40% cycle time reduction compared to single-spindle grinding of the same operations.
02
Both machines target high-volume carbide tool grinding in the sub-30mm diameter class. The ANCA MX7 ULTRA uses a single motorized spindle with multiple wheels on a turret (iGrind software, RoboMate loader). The Vollmer VGrind 260S uses its two-spindle concept with linear motor X/Y axes. ANCA's strength is its software ecosystem and global service network. Vollmer's strength is the cycle time advantage of its two-spindle architecture. Shops evaluating both should request a machine time study on their specific tool geometries.
03
The VGrind 260S handles: solid carbide end mills (2-8 flute, ballnose, corner radius, variable helix), solid carbide drills (standard point, split point, multi-facet), reamers, thread mills, step drills, countersinks, and complex form tools. PCD-tipped tools cannot be ground on the VGrind 260S — PCD tool grinding requires EDM erosion capability (Vollmer QXD series). CBN tool regrinding is possible but uncommon due to the high wheel costs.
04
The VL chain loader is Vollmer's automation module for the VGrind 260S, consisting of an endless chain magazine that stores blanks and finished tools in individual collet holders. Depending on tool diameter and magazine configuration, the VL can hold between 300 and 1,200 tools. During an unattended run, the loader automatically picks blanks, loads them to the grinding spindle fixture, and returns finished tools to the magazine. Sorting by diameter and geometry can be pre-programmed so the machine grinds multiple job lots in sequence.
05
Yes. Regrinding (reconditioning worn tools) is one of the primary applications. For regrinding, the original tool geometry parameters must be entered or scanned in. Vollmer's HC 4 control supports tool scanning to measure the worn tool geometry and recalculate the regrinding program to restore original geometry within the remaining tool diameter. Regrinding on the VGrind 260S is faster and more consistent than manual regrinding, and competitive tool service shops use this machine to offer precision regrinding at scale.
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