Precision Machining Technology Review November 2022: Grinding

Every month, we’re putting together a Technology Showcase, highlighting some of the product information that PM receives from supplier companies. For November, we focused on grinding technology, which is commonly one of the last machining operations performed to complete a part. Grinding machines use rotating, abrasive wheels that take light cuts — not so much for high material removal, but to create a better surface finish than can be achieved by milling or turning operations.

PM’s November Grinding showcase includes a cylindrical ID-radius grinding machine well suited for tough ID grinding operations; a hybrid, 6‐axis tool and peel grinding machine; grinding wheels featuring a nanocrystalline ceramic grain; and more as described below.

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Click on each link below to read the full product post:

Cylindrical Grinder Shows Off High Precision

Photo Credit: United Grinding North America

United Grinding North America’s Studer S131r cylindrical ID-radius grinding machine is well suited for the toughest ID grinding operations where maximum precision is paramount. The Studer S131r is said to excel in general grinding applications and the production of complex workpieces made from extremely hard materials, along with hydraulic components such as axial pump pistons, guide plates and housings from hardened steel, cast iron and copper. The machine also handles single-clamping production of complex workpieces with tapers between 20 and 90 degrees.

GrindSmart 660XW Hybrid Machine for Ultralean Grinding Processes

Rollomatic GrindSmart 660XW. Photo Credit: Rollomatic

Rollomatic’s GrindSmart 660XW is a hybrid, 6‐axis tool and peel grinding machine that enables users to use cost‐effective and advanced lean manufacturing principles for ultralean grinding processes. The machine includes a 6‐position wheel changer and linear motors on all axes. This hybrid model offers combination grinding of tool geometries as well as peel grinding for neck, plunge and other blank prep operations. It features a traveling high‐speed workhead, with peel grinding for blank preparation and neck grinding included in the same chucking.

Norton’s Quantum Prime Grinding Wheels Offer Enhanced Efficiency, Part Quality

Quantum Prime grinding wheels. Photo Credit: Norton | Saint-Gobain Abrasives

Norton | Saint-Gobain Abrasives’ Quantum Prime grinding wheels feature a nanocrystalline ceramic grain which is said to offer productivity gains across a range of applications. The company says the grain delivers enhanced high grinding efficiency and part quality, as well as significantly longer wheel life than traditional ceramic grains. The wheels are said to feature a microfracturing grain that offers sharpness and cutting efficiency which reduces power draw and cycle times, while increasing material removal rates.

Next-Generation Tool Grinder Offers Versatility

Star Cutter NXT tool grinder. Photo Credit: Star Cutter

Star Cutter Co. says its five-axis NXT is a versatile tool grinder offering a small footprint with a large grind zone, providing the ability to run both small and large diameter wheels. Featuring a modular design, it can be easily configured to meet specific customer grinding and resharpening applications. The NXT wheel pack and coolant manifold is configurable per application with up to five stations, offering the flexibility to handle everything from high-mix/low-volume production through low-mix/high-volume applications.

Tool Grinder With Small Footprint Cuts Custom Tools

Photo credits: Strausak Inc.

Strausak’s Model One five‐axis flexible tool and cutter grinding machine features Numroto tool design software for the grinding of rotary and stationary cutting tools in small and large batch production. It can also custom cut tools as well as resharpen. A four‐station wheel changer is integrated into the machine as standard. This wheel changer can be upgraded at any time to an eight‐position or 12‐position system. It is also easily accessible from the outside of the machine.

High-Precision Grinders Capture Optimal Surface Finishes

ACC-32·80CHiQ machine grinding a large plate. Photo Credit: Okamoto Corp.

According to Okamoto Corp., surface grinding the mating portions of a mold is a fundamental step for a high level of accuracy and smooth, flat surface finish. The ACC-SA1 series MDI-controlled, saddle-type surface and ACC-32·80CHiQ surface double column grinder, in particular, are said to be well suited for shops. ACC-32·80CHiQ is designed for high-precision grinding of large components —including molds 40" x 40" and up — to meet demanding mold and die base applications. Its ultra-rigid double column design and construction stands up to prolonged heavy-duty grinding conditions, Okamoto says, and its Double-V Way construction provides continued peak accuracy.