Vollmer VGrind 360
Key Specifications
Number of CNC Axes
Spindle Configuration
Tool Diameter Range
Maximum Grinding Length
Grinding Spindle Speed
Grinding Spindle Power
Overview
The Vollmer VGrind 360 is a high-performance CNC grinding machine purpose-designed for the production of solid carbide rotating tools including end mills, drills, reamers, step tools, and form cutters. Vollmer engineered the VGrind 360 around a vertical spindle arrangement — a key architectural distinction that positions the grinding spindle axis vertically and mounts two grinding spindles on a single vertical axis, allowing each spindle to be swung into the grinding position by the machine's B-axis rotation. This dual-spindle concept means the machine can carry two different wheel packs simultaneously, halving the number of wheel changes required for multi-operation tools and dramatically reducing non-cutting time.
The VGrind 360 accommodates tools from 1 mm to 32 mm in diameter with grinding lengths up to 330 mm. Five CNC axes provide full simultaneous interpolation for complex geometries including variable helix, eccentric relief, and chipbreaker forms. Vollmer's proprietary WPM (Wheel Pack Management) system allows fast, repeatable wheel pack exchange with automatic compensation for wheel pack runout, ensuring that swapping wheel packs mid-production does not introduce dimensional deviation.
Vollmer's VC 720 control system — the software environment for the VGrind 360 — provides a modern Windows-based HMI with touchscreen operation, a comprehensive tool geometry library, and a 3D simulation environment that shows the complete grinding process before a single spark is made. The simulation detects collisions and allows operators to verify complex programs with confidence, reducing scrap and setup time on first articles.
The machine's Granit machine bed (Vollmer's polymer concrete variant) provides the thermal and mechanical stability expected in precision tool grinding. Integrated coolant management, mist extraction, and wheel dressing systems ensure the VGrind 360 operates as a self-contained production cell. An optional automation interface enables integration with Vollmer's Robo2Go and other standard robot loading systems for extended unattended operation.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Number Of CNC Axes | 5 |
| Spindle Configuration | Dual vertical spindles, B-axis swing |
| Tool Diameter Range | 1 – 32 mm |
| Maximum Grinding Length | 330 mm |
| Grinding Spindle Speed | Up to 12,000 RPM |
| Grinding Spindle Power | 9 kW (per spindle) |
| Positioning Accuracy | ±0.001 mm |
| Repeatability | ±0.0005 mm |
| Wheel Pack Capacity | 2 simultaneous (dual spindle) |
| Machine Bed | Granit polymer concrete |
| Control System | Vollmer VC 720 |
| Maximum Tool Weight | 5 kg |
Specifications sourced from vollmer-group.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Dual vertical spindle arrangement carries two wheel packs simultaneously, reducing wheel change downtime on multi-operation tools
- 330 mm maximum grinding length accommodates long series drills and extended reach end mills not possible on shorter-stroke grinders
- VC 720 control with 3D simulation and collision detection reduces setup time and scrap on complex first-article programs
- Granit machine bed delivers high vibration damping and thermal stability for consistent long-run production accuracy
- 32 mm maximum tool diameter covers a very wide range of production carbide tooling in a single machine
Limitations
- 5-axis configuration lacks the sixth rotary axis found on some competing grinders, limiting certain highly complex multi-start geometries
- Dual spindle architecture adds mechanical complexity compared to single-spindle designs, requiring more careful maintenance scheduling
- High capital cost relative to entry-level 5-axis grinders requires significant production volume to justify ROI
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The VGrind 360 carries two separate grinding spindles on its vertical axis. The B-axis rotation swings either spindle into the working position in seconds. For tools requiring two different wheel types (e.g., a roughing wheel and a finishing wheel), the machine alternates between spindles automatically within the cycle, eliminating manual wheel pack changes between operations.
02
The VC 720 is Vollmer's Windows-based CNC and HMI platform for the VGrind series. It provides a touchscreen interface, a comprehensive parametric tool library, 3D grinding simulation with collision detection, and data export for quality documentation. It communicates with Vollmer's automation systems for lights-out production.
03
The VGrind 360 is designed for solid carbide and HSS grinding with conventional CBN and diamond wheels. For PCD and PCBN tools requiring erosion (EDM) processing, Vollmer offers the QDF 350 H erosion machine. However, the VGrind 360 can perform some preparatory grinding operations on PCD tool substrates.
04
The VGrind 360 supports integration with Vollmer's Robo2Go robotic loading system and is compatible with standard industrial robot interfaces. The machine's loading door and part-ready signals are designed for automated integration, enabling extended unattended production runs.
05
The VGrind 360 S adds an integrated on-machine wheel dresser to the base VGrind 360 platform. The dresser allows automatic re-dressing of grinding wheels during the production cycle without removing the wheel pack, maintaining optimal wheel geometry and eliminating manual dressing downtime. For production environments where wheel condition is critical, the 360 S is the preferred variant.
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Community Discussions
Options and configuration advice — Fusion 360 Probing - CNCzone
Capabilities and material handling — Mill Turning with Fusion 360 - CNCzone
Community discussion — Using Fusion 360 with highly modified Emco Lathe - cnczone.com
Troubleshooting and problem-solving — VLMON - CNCzone
Links to community discussions. Summaries are editorial — visit the original thread for full context.




