The Hardinge Grinding Group introduces a new 2-meter capacity, UltraGrind 2000 grinding machine manufactured by Jones & Shipman, a Kellenberger Company, which is a subsidiary of Hardinge Inc. The machine design is based on Jones & Shipman's rugged, smaller capacity model, but features a new wheelhead design to provide customers a wide choice of external and internal grinding spindle combinations, effectively creating a custom machine, but without the cost and build time associated with it. The wheelhead offers wheel sizes up to Ø500 x 100 mm and wheel spindle power up to 11 kW. "The ongoing need for high geometric accuracy with quick changeovers on cylindrical grinding machines was a key factor in the development of the robust Jones & Shipman UltraGrind series," states Jeff Hilliard, grinding sales manager, Hardinge Inc. "Hardinge is excited to have the opportunity to demonstrate the 2-meter machine at IMTS."

The UltraGrind was designed with manufacturers of precision components in-mind; companies that have to produce complex precision parts, particularly in small-to-medium size volumes, and need maximum flexibility. Flexibility combined with ease-of-use improves productivity, keeping component prices competitive and matching some high-volume production systems that rely on using multiple machines. The UltraGrind 2000 CNC grinding machine is suitable for production environments including aerospace, defense, energy, tool room, motorsport, automotive volume production and general engineering applications.