Tech Talk
What are the criteria for optimum current grinding machine design?
There is a need to develop a next generation grinding machine tool based upon the research and development which has taken place over the last 25 years and the direction materials science is taking the manufacturing industry. Features identified that may guide us toward such machine are compiled below.
1. Machining at high stock removal rates, with high precision, and in very hard, difficult to machine materials, requires a very stiff machine with accurate and well-maintained bearings.
2. To achieve good surface finish, economical wheel usage, and overall workpiece integrity, a vibration free system is essential. Also, the system has to be precisely controlled by a motion system, which is both mechanically and electronically stable.
3. High speed and high power spindles are required to properly use superabrasives. Proper wheel dressing and wheel preparation systems are essential.
4. A quick and accurate method of wheel changing is required when continuously dressing conventional vitrified wheels, or when a variety of plated-form, superabrasive wheels are being used.
5. As stock removal rates increase, there is a need to cope with large volumes of swarf and cutting fluid. Cutting fluid management is necessary in both its application to the grind and the filtration and conditioning aftwerwards.
6. As the actual cut time decreases, there is a need to be able to load and unload workpieces out-of-cycle to maximize the machine’s efficiency and productivity.
7. Because of the majority of parts machined in the industry today, and probably in the future, it is more stable and easier to manipulate the workpiece and leave the grinding wheel stationary.
