Hyprostatik Schönfeld has developed a hydrostatic base machine for a new ultra-precision grinding center from machine manufacturer Optotech. The platform forms the mechanical heart of the system and is designed for the precise machining of optical surfaces. The aim is to achieve high dimensional accuracy combined with stable dynamics and consistent surface quality.
Thermally stable machine design based on granite
The machine is based on a solid granite bed, which is suitable for ultra-precision processes due to its thermal stability and high self-damping properties. A cross slide with hydrostatic guide shoes moves on this bed in the X and Y directions. The drive is provided directly by linear motors, enabling backlash-free and highly dynamic positioning.
Hydrostatic axes for precise motion control
The vertical Z-axis is designed as a hydrostatic unit and is mounted on the front of the granite bed. It is driven by a hydrostatic screw drive with integrated bearing. Thanks to the contactless guidance, the slides float on hydrostatic pockets, enabling travel steps of less than 0.1 µm and a reverse play of less than 0.1 µm. The axes operate wear-free and maintain their accuracy over long periods of time.
Y-direction. The drive is provided directly by linear motors, enabling backlash-free and highly dynamic positioning.
Focus on damping and surface quality
Another advantage of the hydrostatic guide is its high damping effect. This improves path accuracy, especially during dynamic movements, and has a direct impact on the achievable surface quality of the workpieces. High accelerations also allow short machining times with consistent precision results.
A hydrostatic workpiece spindle is arranged above the Z-axis, which achieves a flatness and concentricity of 0.1 µm even at high speeds. The running quality contributes significantly to the shape and surface quality of the machined optical components.
Hyprostatik Schönfeld specializes in hydrostatic systems and is part of the Schunk Group. The company's components are used in high-precision tools, optics, and special-purpose machines, among other things.