Grinding throughput
The productivity of a centerless grinding machine is usually called throughput. Apart from customer specific values like workpieces per shift, the most common figure is the easily comparable meters per minute.
Depending on the stock removal, productivity of the machine and grinding wheel, surface quality, straightness and roundness of the raw material, thermal load of the material and other factors, typical values are between 0.5 and 10 m/min.
Measuring
The workpiece diameter can be measured automatically immediately after the grinding operation. This can be done by mechanical gauges, a laser curtain or compressed air. The result can be used by the machine control for a diameter correction.
Materials
Grinding wheel
Usually grinding wheels made from corundum or silicon carbide are used. Less frequently used materials are diamond or CBN. Bond and grain need to be suitable for the application.
Regulating wheel
The regulating wheel needs to be stable, with a high friction factor. Rubber, resin or ceramic bonds are in use.
Workrest blade
The HSS body is usually carbide plated. In some cases, a bronze or diamond plated surface can be used.
Workpiece drive
The regulating wheel keeps the workpiece on the wanted rotational speed. As the grinding wheel tends to speed up the workpiece, the regulating wheel can either drive or slow down the workpiece.