Turning Old Into New With High-Performance FANUC Controls
ABOUT GSN Schleiftechnik:
GSN Schleiftechnik GmbH is based in Stödtlen, Germany, employing around 105 people across four production halls, a trio of warehouses and an administration building. Founded by Leo Rief in 1996, the company specialises in the refurbishment and modernisation of cylindrical grinding machines. Drawing on decades of experience in grinding technology, GSN delivers complete retrofits, from planning and implementation through to final acceptance and handover. The ISO 9001-certified company focuses on improving machine performance while providing a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to purchasing new.
FANUC CNC Units Give Worn-Out Grinders a New Lease of Life
For manufacturers operating grinding machines that have reached the end of their useful life, replacement is often not the most attractive option. GSN Schleiftechnik offers an alternative: comprehensive machine refurbishment that combines the proven mechanical foundation of the existing grinder with the latest CNC technology and drive systems.
“We modernise grinders to meet customer-specific needs,” states Daniel Rief, CEO of GSN Schleiftechnik. “There are many advantages. Customers stay familiar with their machines and retain existing tools and auxiliaries. They also save up to 50% in cost.”
GSN's approach can extend well beyond a simple control upgrade. In a typical premium overhaul, virtually every element of the machine is replaced.
“Only the cast-iron bed remains, providing the foundation for the retrofit,” says Rief. “In the end, it’s effectively a new machine. We typically remove all electronics and replace the entire drive system with FANUC components, regardless of the previous control unit brand.”
For GSN, the choice of CNC technology is about more than simply replacing an obsolete control. Reliability and process stability are fundamental to its philosophy, helping ensure that a refurbished machine provides dependable performance for years to come.
Daniel Rief
CEO of GSN Schleiftechnik
FANUC control systems offer configurable functions and screens that can be tailored to the specific requirements of the machine and its operator. Notably, FANUC user interfaces make machine operation straightforward, including functions for quick set up and specialised grinding sequences.
The CNC upgrade forms part of a wider modernisation process. Depending on the machine and customer requirements, GSN replaces outdated control cabinets, wiring and hydraulic elements, as well as incorporating modern digital drives and on-board measuring equipment.
The relationship between GSN and FANUC extends beyond the CNC hardware. For a company responsible for returning machines to customers in reliable working condition, access to technical support and spare parts is equally important.
“We rely on FANUC for reliability, process stability and the availability of replacement parts, with delivery often possible within 24 hours,” explains Rief. “We receive strong support from FANUC in sales, service and via the hotline, both in-house and on the site of customers. Everything works exactly as expected. Perfect.”
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