Automotive report

Crankshafts specialists

AZ SpA, already known for the innovative

grinding machines proposed for the

aerospace sector, is becoming more and

more established in automotive applications

with cutting-edge technological solutions

for crankshaft grinding. The new DU range

represents the most recent success in

solving the complete machining of

crankshafts for high production industries.

The automotive industry is among the

most attentive in terms of production

technologies. The client's objectives are

simple to describe in the demands they have

to meet, i.e. quality, profitability, precision

and reliability. The latter, in particular, is a

critical factor given the production rates

typical of the automotive sector in terms

of parts produced and, of course,

production costs.

Italian company AZ SpA of Thiene (VI), a

manufacturer of large-sized special

cylindrical grinding machines with over 40

years of experience in the sector, has always

distinguished itself in tackling and solving

technical issues, for example complex

shape, proposing customised solutions to

individual customer needs.

With more than 3,000 grinding machines

delivered and operational in more than 80

countries worldwide, for the grinding of

crankshafts from 600 mm up to 14 m in

length, have accredited AZ the synonym

"crankshafts specialists ".

The numerous lines available in the

catalogue, designated CGA, CGX and CG

for the engine rebuilding sector and DB,

CGP and DU for high production industries,

satisfy every request from the automotive,

energy, marine, locomotives, earth-moving

and oil & gas sectors.

The new DU800 line, in particular, is

becoming increasingly established in the

automotive sector for the complete grinding

of crankshafts for high production

industries. The new DU grinding machine

can be configured with one wheelhead or

with two wheelheads side by side.

The design of the grinding machine is

characterised by the overlapped and

crossed arrangement of the main machining

axes, Z longitudinal and transversal X, which

allows ample operating capacity with

reduced dimensions on the ground.

Other features include: Max grinding

length of 800 mm, diameter swing over

table of the pieces up to 510 mm and max

weight between centres of 80 kg.

The axes are driven by linear motors for

straight movements with positioning

accuracy of +/- 0.0005 mm and torque for

angular movements with positioning

accuracy of +/- 0.005°.

The base of the machine has been

designed with FEM analysis and consists of a

composital structure that reduces the

elasticity coefficient to a third, guaranteeing

an exceptional absorption of vibrations,

great rigidity and high dynamic

performance.