Cylindrical Cutting Tool Solutions: Precision Grinding, Manufacturing & Brazing Machinery

The ABM TURBO 4X is a 4-axis CNC tool grinder engineered for the precision re-sharpening of cylindrical cutting tools. Designed for flexibility and reliable operation, the TURBO 4X accommodates cutters, hobs, end mills, router bits, finger jointing knives, planing heads, and profiled moulders.

Its CNC-controlled grinding system provides consistent, repeatable results across a wide range of cutting tool geometries, making it a practical solution for tool sharpening shops and manufacturers maintaining their own cutting equipment.

Key Features and Technical Capabilities:

• Automatic 4-axis CNC tool grinding.
• Maximum grinding length of 260 mm (10.24").
• 360° rotatable dividing head for flexible tool positioning.
• PC-based Windows operating system with a 17" LCD control screen.
• CNC linear bearing system designed to enhance grinding quality and machine longevity.
• Handwheel for accurate positioning of selected axes.
• Central lubrication and oil coolant system.
• Optional probing, filtration, mist extraction system, and tooling accessories.

The TURBO 4X is particularly suited to operations requiring consistent regrinding of different cutting tool types without sacrificing precision or operational flexibility.

By combining CNC automation with an adaptable dividing head and intuitive controls, the machine supports efficient tool maintenance and dependable grinding performance.

The ABM HELIOS-5X is an advanced 5-axis CNC tool grinding machine designed for both the production and re-sharpening of precision cylindrical cutting tools.

Engineered for cutting tools ranging from Ø3–20 mm (Ø0.12"–0.79"), the HELIOS-5X provides flexible grinding capabilities for manufacturers producing end mills, drills, profile tools, burrs, routers, reamers, and other specialized tooling.

Unlike machines dedicated primarily to tool maintenance, the HELIOS-5X supports both new cutting tool manufacturing and precision regrinding applications.

Key Features and Technical Capabilities:

• 5-axis CNC grinding for precision cutting tool production and servicing.
• Cutting tool diameter range of Ø3–20 mm (Ø0.12"–0.79").
• Two separate grinding spindles for flexible grinding wheel positioning.
• BECKHOFF absolute motors for precise axis control.
• Electronic measuring probe for automatic tool detection and positioning.
• 21.5" touchscreen with industrial PC and adjustable control panel.
• Integrated handwheel for controlled positioning.
• Basic Tool Studio software with standard end mill programming.
• Optional software packages for drills, profile tools, burrs, routers, reamers, and specialized cutting tools.
• Ergonomic, oil-tight machine enclosure.

The machine's dual-spindle configuration provides flexibility in grinding wheel arrangements, while its electronic probing system assists with accurate tool measurement and positioning.

The HELIOS-5X also features an expandable software platform, allowing manufacturers to adapt their CNC grinding operations to additional cutting tool geometries as production requirements evolve.

For businesses seeking a versatile 5-axis CNC tool grinder for end mill production, drill grinding, and specialized cutting tool manufacturing, the HELIOS-5X offers a comprehensive solution.

Carbide Brazing Machines for Router Bit Manufacturing

Carbide brazing is an essential process in the manufacturing of carbide-tipped cutting tools. During brazing, a carbide cutting tip is joined to a tool body using a filler metal and controlled heating.

The quality of this connection directly affects tool durability, cutting performance, and reliability during operation.

For manufacturers producing carbide-tipped router bits, accurate tip positioning, consistent heating, and repeatable brazing cycles are particularly important. Automated brazing equipment can help standardize these processes while reducing manual handling and improving production efficiency.

The Gerling GLO is a fully automatic brazing machine developed specifically for the production of carbide-tipped router bits.

Designed for industrial manufacturing environments, the GLO combines robotic automation, precision camera systems, and intelligent CAD-driven programming to deliver consistent carbide tip positioning and brazing quality.

The machine accommodates a variety of bore and shank tool geometries, making it suitable for manufacturers producing multiple router bit configurations.

Key Features and Technical Capabilities:

• Fully automatic carbide tip brazing for router bits.
• Capacity for 1–4 carbide tips per router bit.
• Ability to process up to two different carbide tip shapes on a single tool.
• Industrial robotic systems for automated handling and positioning.
• Precision camera systems for accurate component alignment.
• Intelligent CAD data conversion for efficient programming and setup.
• Approximate cycle time of 25 seconds per part with two carbide tips, depending on tool size.
• Optional fully automatic pallet loading system for extended autonomous operation.

The GLO's automated production process is designed to minimize operator intervention while maintaining consistent brazing results.

Its combination of industrial robotics and vision technology supports flexible handling of different tool geometries, while CAD-driven programming simplifies setup for changing production requirements.

For high-volume router bit manufacturers, the optional fully automatic pallet loading system can further reduce manual loading requirements and support longer unattended production periods.

The Gerling GLO is an effective solution for manufacturers seeking to improve the speed, consistency, and automation of carbide-tipped router bit production.

PCD Drill Bit Brazing Machines for Precision Tool Manufacturing

Polycrystalline diamond (PCD) cutting tools are widely valued for their wear resistance and performance in demanding machining applications.

Manufacturing PCD-tipped tools requires precise joining processes that securely bond the cutting material to the tool body while controlling heat input and maintaining consistent joint quality.

Specialized PCD brazing equipment helps manufacturers achieve reliable results through controlled heating, accurate positioning, and carefully managed brazing conditions.

The Gerling GLHD is a manual brazing machine specifically designed for the production of PCD-tipped drill bits.

Ideal for small-batch manufacturing, sample preparation, and specialized cutting tool production, the GLHD combines high-frequency inductive heating with temperature-controlled brazing technology.

The machine is designed to accommodate PCD drill bits ranging from Ø4–16 mm (Ø0.16"–0.63") in diameter and up to 150 mm (5.91") in length.

Key Features and Technical Capabilities:

• PCD drill bit diameter capacity of Ø4–16 mm (Ø0.16"–0.63").
• Maximum drill bit length of 150 mm (5.91").
• High-frequency inductive heating for consistent brazing joints.
• Temperature-controlled brazing cycles for repeatable joint quality.
• Protective gas atmosphere for clean, reliable PCD tip brazing.
• Manual loading with pneumatic positioning into a sealed brazing chamber.
• Integrated pyrometer for precise temperature monitoring.
• Fast, tool-free changeovers between different drill bit sizes.

The GLHD uses a controlled brazing process to produce consistent joints while protecting sensitive cutting tool materials.

Its protective gas atmosphere helps maintain suitable brazing conditions, while the integrated pyrometer monitors temperature throughout the heating process.

For manufacturers producing different PCD drill bit sizes in smaller quantities, the machine's tool-free changeover capability provides flexibility without requiring extensive setup adjustments.

The Gerling GLHD is particularly well suited to operations prioritizing precision PCD drill bit manufacturing, small-batch production, and repeatable brazing quality.

Applications Across the Cutting Tool Industry

HMT's cylindrical cutting tool machinery supports a range of industrial applications, including:

• Cutting Tool Manufacturing: Production of end mills, drills, router bits, reamers, and specialized cutting tools.
• Tool Sharpening and Regrinding: Reconditioning worn cutting edges to extend tool service life and maintain cutting performance.
• Carbide-Tipped Router Bit Production: Automated positioning and brazing of carbide tips onto router bit bodies.
• PCD Cutting Tool Manufacturing: Precision brazing of PCD tips for specialized drill bit applications.
• Woodworking Tool Servicing: Re-sharpening of router bits, finger jointing knives, planing heads, and profiled moulders.
• Custom Tool Production: Manufacturing and servicing of specialized cutting tool geometries for specific machining applications.

By investing in specialized grinding and brazing equipment, cutting tool manufacturers can improve process consistency, reduce reliance on manual operations, and expand their manufacturing or servicing capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cylindrical Cutting Tool Machinery

What is the difference between a 4-axis and 5-axis CNC tool grinder?

A 4-axis CNC tool grinder controls four machine axes, while a 5-axis grinder provides an additional controlled axis for more complex tool positioning and grinding operations. The appropriate configuration depends on the cutting tool geometry, required grinding operations, and production requirements.

Can CNC tool grinding machines sharpen end mills and drills?

Yes. CNC tool grinders can be configured to manufacture and re-sharpen end mills, drills, and other cutting tools. The ABM HELIOS-5X includes standard end mill programming, with optional software packages available for drill grinding and other specialized applications.

How many carbide tips can the Gerling GLO braze?

The Gerling GLO can braze between one and four carbide tips per router bit, including configurations using up to two different carbide tip shapes on a single tool.

What size drill bits can the Gerling GLHD process?

The Gerling GLHD accommodates PCD drill bits from Ø4–16 mm (Ø0.16"–0.63") in diameter, with a maximum drill bit length of 150 mm (5.91").

Explore Cylindrical Cutting Tool Solutions from HMT Machine Tools

Whether your operation specializes in CNC cutting tool grinding, end mill manufacturing, drill bit re-sharpening, carbide router bit brazing, or PCD drill bit production, selecting the right equipment is essential to maintaining precision and productivity.

HMT Machine Tools offers specialized machinery from ABM Machinery and Gerling Automation to support a wide range of cutting tool manufacturing and servicing requirements.

From the flexible regrinding capabilities of the ABM TURBO 4X to the advanced 5-axis grinding technology of the ABM HELIOS-5X, and from the automated router bit brazing capabilities of the Gerling GLO to the precision PCD brazing performance of the Gerling GLHD, our solutions are designed to meet diverse production needs.