Brake Disc Grinding Machines

VLC 450 DG

  • Outer diameter of friction ring max.: 450 mm | 17.5 in
  • Diameter friction ring inside max.: 250 mm | 10 in
  • Friction ring thickness: mm 10 - 45

VLC 450 DG - Machine for grinding hard coating of brake discs

The further development and optimization of brake system components is an ongoing process in the automotive industry, which has been given a new dynamic by the entry into force of the EURO 7 standard.

A key component here is the brake disk, whose effectiveness and service life depend largely on the surface treatment in addition to the material properties. In this context, hard machining technologies, especially grinding, play a central role. The aim is to apply a coating to the brake disc that shows as little material loss as possible during the braking process. This makes machining a major challenge, as a lot of material needs to be removed in as short a time as possible with minimal tool wear.

Adapting to layer diversity: challenges and solutions

Specific machining strategies are required depending on the coating material. Multi-layer coatings place high demands on the grinding process. Their machining behavior is similar to the carbide machining known from tool grinding. This type of coating requires low cutting speeds, but all the higher torque. Before machining, these coatings have a roughness of up to 100 micrometers. After the grinding process, both the matrix and the carbides are machined. The machining behavior is due to the dual properties of the coatings: brittle-hard carbides on the one hand and a ductile matrix on the other.

Titanium carbide (Ground): Multi-layer coatings after grinding
Titanium carbide (Ground): Multi-layer coatings after grinding
Titanium carbide: Multi-layer coatings after laser metal deposition
Multi-layer coatings after laser metal deposition: "Soft" matrix and "hard" carbides must be machined.

Ductile and brittle materials generally require individual grinding strategies. In the case of the hard coating of brake discs, both come together. The material properties and cutting behavior are not only influenced by the volumetric composition of the materials, but also by the process parameters during laser metal deposition.

Crucial for precision and process reliability: the grinding machine and the technology

Front view of the VLC 450 DG grinding machine
VLC 450 DG - Grinding the hard coating of brake discs

The machine concept

The VLC 450 DG is designed for rigidity and durability in order to meet the high demands of batch production. Outside the work area, the machine shuttle forms the interfaces to downstream automation. The machine concept is based on decades of experience in the construction of vertical turning and grinding machines. The intelligent sensory equipment enables adaptive process control.

VLC 450 DG: Good accessibility to the work area
The machine's good accessibility is one of the central aspects of the machine concept.

Large work area, vertical design

  • Minimizes the accumulation of sanding residue on the workpiece and in the machine
  • Excellent accessibility for set-up and maintenance work
  • Direct removal of grinding sludge thanks to vertical spindle arrangement
VLC 450 DG: Parallel arrangement of the grinding spindles
Both grinding spindles are arranged in parallel, the brake disk is machined in cross grinding.

The technology:

Focus on quality with double-sided surface grinding

Cross-ground structures have significantly better tribological running-in behavior than structures in the circumferential direction. Double-sided surface grinding is therefore of central importance. Cross-grinding structures are created perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the grinding wheel.

VLC 450 DG: Self-sharpening tool
The tools are self-sharpening.

The grinding tool

The VLC 450 DG grinding tool sets new standards in the machining of brake discs. Designed as an interchangeable ring, it is characterized by its low weight of less than five kilograms, which makes it easy to handle. Tool change times are remarkably short at under ten minutes.  

VLC 450 DG: Brake disc after grinding
Brake disc after grinding

Direct quality control

Direct quality control is made possible by cross-sanding, making it easy to check the machine settings. The progression of the incoming and outgoing grain confirms that all axis angles are set correctly and that the machine delivers geometrically perfect results. 

Advantages VLC 450 DG

  • Reduce the risk of damage or wear to critical components (guides, measuring systems, etc.); these are located outside the work area.
  • Simple link-up and line integration, automation of the loading and unloading process through vertical arrangement
  • Good thermal stability of the machine thanks to integrated cooling concept
  • Good vibration damping thanks to mineralite machine base
  • The process cutting fluids used are a mineral oil-free solution.

Workpieces

The Right Manufacturing Solution for Every Workpiece

Technical Data

Outer diameter of friction ring max.

450 mm

17.5 in

Diameter friction ring inside max.

250 mm

10 in

Friction ring thickness

10 - 45 mm

Outer diameter of friction ring max. mm
in
450
17.5
Diameter friction ring inside max. mm
in
250
10
Friction ring thickness mm 10 - 45
Hub bore diameter mm 60 - 100
Outer diameter of hat mm 140 - 250
Installation height mm < 100
Workpiece weight, max. kg
lb
25
55

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