Centerless cylindrical grinding and centerless cylindrical grinding machines in detail 2

Grinding progress

The productivity of a centerless cylindrical grinding machine is usually referred to as grinding throughput. In addition to customer-specific specifications such as workpieces per shift, the generally comparable specification of meters per minute has become established.

Depending on the grinding allowance, the performance of the machine and grinding wheel, surface specifications, the straightness and roundness of the raw material, the thermal load capacity of the material, and other influencing factors, typical values range between 0.5 and 10 m/min.

Measurement:

The diameter of the workpieces can be measured automatically immediately after leaving the centerless cylindrical grinding machine. This can be done using a mechanical probe, laser curtain shadowing, or pressure measurement with a ring with air nozzles. The measurement result can be used to automatically correct the grinding gap.

Materials

Various materials are used for centerless grinding, which are selected depending on the workpiece, requirements, and grinding task. The following components play a central role in this process:

Grinding wheel

Grinding wheels made of silicon carbide or corundum are commonly used, while diamond or CBN are used less frequently. The bond and grain type are tailored to the application.

Regulating wheel

The regulating wheel must be rigid and have a high coefficient of friction. Regulating wheels made of rubber, resin-bonded, and ceramic composite materials are used.

Guide rail

The base body of the guide rail is usually made of high-speed steel. Carbide, bronze, or, less commonly, PCD is used for the contact surface with the workpiece.

Workpiece drive

The regulating disc keeps the workpiece at the desired speed. Since the grinding wheel tends to drive the workpiece, the regulating disc must transmit both drive and braking torques.