The new SET 300 YUM vertical honing machine from Robbi Group Srl has been developed for higher-volume manufacture, and the first installation has recently been carried out at the manufacturing plant of one of Japan’s leading industrial companies.

Available in the UK from Erith-based RK International Machine Tools Ltd, this machine is offered in three versions capable of honing tubes with lengths of 1,200, 1,400 or 1800mm and diameters ranging from 22 to 300mm (with the appropriate honing head). That said, Robbi can supply a wide range of heads and extensions in order to accommodate a much wider range of components and applications.

Unlike its horizontal counterparts, the SET 300 YUM does not require a second spindle (for the part rotation), but it does have other features in common with its LYOR horizontal range, namely the software and control system that make it a simple machine to operate.

Dick Aldrich, RK International’s sales director, says: “This high-performance vertical honing system, which features ballscrews and linear guideways, will be of interest to many manufacturers in the UK and will provide them with a cost-effective solution to honing long, large-diameter tubes.

“Verona-based Robbi has over 60 years’ experience in the manufacture of precision cylindrical, universal and internal grinding machines, as well as honing machines. The SET 300 YUM is the latest development in that range of honing machines and follows on the heels of the LYOR series of horizontal tube-honing machines, which have proved to be highly successful in the oil and gas, petro-chemical, hydraulics, aerospace, nuclear and marine industries.”

LYOR horizontal machines offer honing head strokes up to 8,000mm, and can accommodate components up to 7,000mm long; bore diameters range from 20 to 400mm. On these machines, movement of the honing head is via a hydraulic cylinder, while a 7.5kW geared drive to the honing head provides the torque required for high levels of stock removal.