STUDER has enhanced its globally popular favoritCNC universal cylindrical grinding machine, integrating years of experience in grinding and mechanical engineering. The upgraded model delivers advanced grinding technology, offering high precision and user-friendly operation at an excellent price-to-performance ratio.
“With numerous updates, optimizations, and new automation features, the favoritCNC offers an economical, future-proof solution for both external and internal cylindrical grinding of small to medium-sized parts, for both custom and series production. This is ideal for high-quality contract manufacturing as well as in-house production,” says Sandro Bottazzo, CSO of STUDER. The Swiss manufacturer has further refined its entry-level machine, leveraging extensive experience to create a CNC universal cylindrical grinding machine that combines accuracy, speed, and intuitive operation for an affordable investment.
The latest iteration of the favoritCNC boasts a modernized CNC control (FANUC 0i-TFP), enhanced software, and new automation capabilities. With features like the automatic operating door and loader interface, users can now automate production on their own. Additional optimizations focus on sustainability, efficiency, and ergonomics, making the machine even easier and safer to operate. New features include a simple grinding wheel-changing aid, an optional tailstock parking position within the machine, and a machine base designed for greater wheelhead stability. Other enhancements include a resource-efficient belt spindle system, a digital display for the swivel angle on the manual B axis, and the optional QuickSet function for rapid retooling.
STUDER focused on flexibility when designing the new favoritCNC, ensuring that it meets the needs of customers across different industries. Buyers can choose between two wheelhead configurations: a fixed wheelhead for external grinding (manual positioning at 0° / 15° / 30°) or a universal wheelhead for both external and internal grinding (grinding in one clamping, manual swiveling by 2.5° Hirth coupling). There are also various customization options, such as a fixed or swiveling worktable, and additional options like measuring systems, balancing systems, grinding detection, and longitudinal positioning. This flexibility allows for easy retrofitting to accommodate different grinding tasks and production requirements.
The favoritCNC benefits from STUDER’s reputation for quality and innovation, with high-performance components such as workheads, grinding spindles, guideways, and drives—standards typically found in their premium models. The Granitan® S103 mineral cast machine base, exclusive to STUDER, provides outstanding damping and thermal properties, ensuring excellent surface quality in grinding.
Operating the favoritCNC is even more intuitive, thanks to a 10.4-inch flat-screen display and an ergonomic manual control unit positioned close to the grinding area. STUDER’s proprietary StuderPictogramming and StuderGRIND grinding software simplify even complex grinding setups, allowing operators to control and configure processes easily. The favoritCNC now also supports non-circular forms and threads using StuderThread and StuderForm software. These digital capabilities enable users with minimal CNC experience to quickly produce high-quality results.
The machine also offers a conventional grinding mode, allowing for manual grinding without the need for programming knowledge. This feature makes it easy for operators to transition from a conventional machine to CNC while maintaining high production efficiency. “The new favoritCNC is a versatile solution for a wide range of grinding applications,” concludes CSO Bottazzo.
The favoritCNC is designed for optimal precision and efficiency, with a range of key features aimed at enhancing productivity. It offers a distance between centers of 650 mm or 1000 mm (25.6” / 39.4”) and a center height of 175 mm (6.9”). The machine supports workpieces with a maximum weight of 80 kg or 120 kg (176 lbs / 264 lbs), and can accommodate grinding wheel diameters up to 500 mm (20”). One of its standout features is the short processing time, enabling complete machining in a single clamping. The integration of optimal hardware and software ensures maximum accuracy, while the user-friendly design and ergonomic operation enhance ease of use. Additionally, the machine’s energy-efficient, eco-friendly design reduces energy consumption, making it a sustainable option for operations.
The hardware configuration of the favoritCNC supports both external and internal grinding with a single clamping, making it versatile for various machining needs. It offers different wheelhead options, including a fixed wheelhead with manual positioning (0° / 15° / 30°) or a universal wheelhead with manual swiveling (2.5° Hirth coupling). The worktable can be fixed or swiveling, with an angular range of up to 8.5°. The machine’s base is constructed from Granitan® S103 mineral cast, known for its stability and vibration damping properties. It is equipped with a FANUC F0i-TFP control system and features a digital display for swivel angle readout, ensuring precise adjustments. The machine also includes modern measuring systems and sensor technology, contributing to its reliability. For enhanced automation, the favoritCNC includes an automatic door and an ergonomic manual control unit for easy setup near the grinding area.
The software suite of the favoritCNC further enhances its capabilities, offering several programming and control options. The StuderPictogramming interface simplifies programming, making it more intuitive for operators. Optional software like StuderGRIND allows for the creation of grinding and dressing programs on an external PC, increasing flexibility. Additional optional software such as StuderForm and StuderThread are also available for specialized tasks, enhancing the machine’s adaptability to different grinding needs. These software options, combined with the machine’s advanced hardware features, provide a comprehensive and efficient solution for precision grinding applications.
