Hydrostatic machine base for ultra-precision grinding centre
March 2026
Motion Control & Drives
Hyprostatik Schönfeld, based in Germany, are market leaders for hydrostatic components and has developed a high-precision hydrostatic machine base for a new ultra-precision grinding centre for Optotech. The machine platform forms the heart of the system, and enables a previously unattainable combination of dimensional accuracy, dynamics and surface quality in the ultra-precision grinding of optical surfaces.
Rigid machine structure based on granite
The machine base consists of a solid granite bed, providing optimal conditions for ultra-precision machining due to its superior thermal stability and stress-free, high precision properties. A cross slide with hydrostatic guide shoes moves on top, performing horizontal movements in the X and Y directions. The axes are driven by linear motors with high precision linear scales, enabling backlash-free, highly dynamic precise positioning.
Hydrostatic Z-axis with innovative drive concept
The vertical hydrostatic guided Z-axis in RAM design is mounted at the front of the granite bed and is driven by a hydrostatic screw drive with hydrostatic bearing and torque motor. This allows higher dynamic and precision in more compact design than using linear motor. A weight balance is not necessary.
Maximum accuracy thanks to hydrostatic guidance technology
The rigid construction of the machine and the finishing of all relevant components on hydrostatic grinding machines, result in straightness of movement and positioning accuracy that is several times better than comparable systems with roller guides.
The slides float friction-free on hydrostatic pockets; this enables travel steps of less than 0,1 µm and a reversal play of less than 0,1 µm. Thanks to the contactless guidance, the axes operate completely wear-free and maintain their accuracy consistently over many years.
Optimal damping for maximum surface quality
Another advantage of hydrostatic guidance is its excellent damping. This increases path accuracy, especially at high dynamics, and has a direct positive effect on the achievable surface quality of the workpieces. High accelerations also enable short machining times with maximum precision.
Hydrostatic workpiece spindle with excellent rotation quality
A hydrostatic workpiece spindle is positioned above the vertical axis, achieving axial and radial runout below 0.1 µm. This precision improves both dimensional and surface quality of machined optical components.
Hydrostatic grinding spindle with excellent runout and damping
The hydrostatic grinding spindle, with runout below 0.1 µm and balance quality vastly exceeding G0.4, grinds brittle and hard materials with minimal surface damage, significantly reducing polishing time.
For more information contact Hyprostatic, +49 7161 965 9590, [email protected], www.hyprostatik.de
Further reading:
Premium slewing rings from SKF
SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
SKF’s slewing bearing portfolio spans standard and customised designs across a wide range of types and sizes, backed by advanced monitoring, remanufacturing services and application engineering expertise for demanding industrial applications.
Read more...
World’s first fully electric hydrogen fuel cell aircraft engine
Motion Control & Drives
Airbus and MTU Aero Engines are establishing a joint venture to industrialise hydrogen-electric propulsion systems for commercial aviation, combining liquid hydrogen expertise with fuel cell development to support the ZEROe programme’s 2035 target.
Read more...
Monopile handling innovations boost offshore wind farm
Motion Control & Drives
Mammoet’s XXL monopile transport system and new MTC 1600 terminal crane are helping offshore wind developers safely marshal and install ever larger monopile foundations, as demonstrated on Van Oord’s Baltic Power project.
Read more...
Automation without the mega factory
Yaskawa Southern Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Mid-sized South African manufacturers are turning to targeted, low-risk automation to solve specific bottlenecks rather than chasing full factory transformation, helped by retrofit-friendly robotics and advanced simulation software.
Read more...
Duplex worm gears for precision backlash adjustment
Motion Control & Drives
KHK USA has introduced duplex worm gears that allow precise backlash adjustment through simple axial movement of the worm shaft, eliminating the need for gearbox housing alterations during assembly or maintenance.
Read more...
Choosing the right level of protection in modern automation
Motion Control & Drives
Choosing the right ingress protection rating for a motor or drive is less about maximising the number, and more about understanding what the machine will actually face in operation.
Read more...
Osterwalder launches multi-plate, fully electric powder press
Motion Control & Drives
Osterwalder Technology has launched the MPneo 480, a 480 kN fully electric multi-plate powder press with up to six cross-pressing modules. Designed for hard metals, ceramics and advanced engineered materials, the press supports complex geometries and offers optional
Read more...
Ground helical racks for superior precision and durability
Motion Control & Drives
KHK USA has announced its ground helical rack series, engineered for smooth operation, high torque transmission and long-lasting performance in precision motion systems. The racks are designed for demanding environments such as machine tools, high-speed automation equipment and precision positioning systems.
Read more...
SpinDrive launches Magma X100 active magnetic bearing controller
Motion Control & Drives
SpinDrive has launched the Magma X100, a new active magnetic bearing controller platform for applications up to 150 kW. The platform brings oil-free, frictionless bearing technology to mobile machinery, semiconductor equipment and other high-speed rotating equipment at a cost comparable to conventional bearing solutions.
Read more...
Sealed split spherical roller bearings deliver rapid installation and reduced downtime
SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
SKF Cooper sealed split spherical roller bearings combine a split design with premium engineering to enable rapid installation and simplified maintenance, reducing mean time to repair by up to 70% and keeping operations running in sectors from mining to food and beverage.
Read more...