Two world premieres, one stage across two continents: At IMTS in Chicago (September 14–19) and simultaneously at AMB in Stuttgart (September 15–19), Walter unveiled the Helitronic Fusion and Helicheck Compact at the United Machining Solutions booth. Through an extensively staged presentation at both trade shows, WALTER highlighted its commitment to shaping the tool grinding and measuring machine market.

Manufacturers of cutting tools for the automotive industry, mechanical engineering and aerospace sectors face increasing demands for maximum precision, shorter turnaround times and lower operating costs. Walter addresses these requirements with its two new machines.

While the Helitronic Fusion enhances the efficiency of producing rotationally symmetric cutting tools, the Helicheck Compact is designed for users entering the field of measurement technology, offering high-precision tool measurement at an entry-level price.

The Helitronic Fusion has been developed for producing drills, end mills, profile tools, countersinks and reamers. It is among the first machines in its class to combine fully integrated automation for workpieces and tools with a compact footprint.

Despite supporting a maximum grinding length of 380 millimetres and tool diameters of up to 260 millimetres, the machine requires significantly less floor space than comparable designs. This is achieved through a new cross-bed design featuring high thermal stability, along with static and dynamic rigidity through symmetrical kinematics.

Productivity improvements are delivered through several design details. Tool and wheel changes take place in parallel, while the wheel changer completes wheel changes within seconds. A vibration-damping mineral cast bed with a symmetrical axis layout minimises vibrations and ensures consistently high manufacturing accuracy, even during long production runs.

Walter has also introduced new energy efficiency measures. For the first time in its product portfolio, high-precision glass scales are used entirely without blocking air, significantly reducing energy consumption. Drive cooling, sized according to actual demand, and optimised exhaust systems further reduce operating costs.

The machine is equipped with intuitive C.O.R.E. technology featuring a large touch panel, IoT connectivity and the latest generation of the optional Fanuc robot. These features provide improved accessibility for operation, maintenance and service.

“The Helitronic Fusion Is a milestone in the tool grinding machine market,” said Dr Christoph Müller-Mederer, CEO of Walter, during the unveiling. The combination of optimised performance, fast automation and high efficiency provides customers with an outstanding price-performance ratio while reducing operating costs without compromising on quality.

Alongside the Helitronic Fusion, WALTER introduced the Helicheck Compact, a new tool measuring machine designed for users entering measurement technology. Based on the proven Helicheck series design, it offers premium measurement technology at an entry-level price.

With a measurement uncertainty of EUX, MPE = 1.4 + l/300 µm, the machine delivers performance typically associated with significantly more expensive measurement systems. Its key specifications include a maximum tool diameter of 255 millimetres, 180 millimetres using the throat gauge principle, and a maximum tool length of 365 millimetres on the SK 50 base.

The proven monolithic design based on a granite block ensures high repeatability. The machine runs on Windows 11 LTSC and uses the latest C.O.R.E. technology.

On the software side, all features of the Walter Metrology Center software are available, including EASY Check and the new grinding wheel measurement function. The new measuring machine is IoT-ready, ensuring compliance with the requirements of the Cyber Resilience Act.

The Helicheck Compact is designed for all tool measurement applications and supports both transmitted and reflected light measurements.

The simultaneous unveiling across two continents demonstrated the importance Walter places on these two new products. At both Chicago and Stuttgart, numerous trade visitors attended presentations at the United Machining Solutions booth.

The innovative concept of the HELITRONIC FUSION and the price-performance ratio of the Helicheck Compact generated significant interest among visitors.

Those unable to attend IMTS or AMB can experience the new products through the Walter AMB/IMTS Online Review on October 6.