grinding
          products

Open architecture grinding opens opportunities

Open Vision HMI Grinding allows the user to control the operation with a system that is more than just a modified milling or turning machine control, but a system designed specifically for grinding. CNC Engineering’s software is a conversational grinding package developed for internal, external and specialty grinding machines.

The package combines the reliability of GE Fanuc controls with the flexibility of an industrial computer thus providing an Open Architecture solution. The PC front-end also allows the integration of third party software packages that run under the Windows environment. Some common applications include SPC, SCADA, (Interface) Gaging and spreadsheet applications for machine event monitoring. Editing and viewing of programs can be executed either on the grinder or through a PC-based off-line conversational programmer. 

The software has been designed with traditional and enhanced grinding capabilities such as the following:

• Run-time display of size-correct-value 

• Constant surface speed 

• Skip dress

• Wheel offsets

• Axis data position and rate 

• Grinding types such as plunge, oscillation, vector, all applied to any grind direction

• Wheel data including wheel diameter, surface speed and power load

• Easily skip, insert or delete of any operation sequence for ease of regrind

• Capability for remote diagnostics

• Background editing

• On-line help and documentation

• Adaptive control capability

• Conversational/graphically contour dress programming

The software includes the ability to program by part reference. This is accomplished by employing a separate coordinate system for the work piece. The axis zero point can be placed either at the work piece centerline or at a reference surface on the work piece. 

“Capture Positions” enables the operator to quickly resolve workpiece offsets and dresser alignment. Route and device operation positions can also be captured. Programs can be imported/exported over a local area network or through a DNC system.

A sample of the interface screen appears at www.cnc1.com/ovgrind.html. CNC Engineering Inc., Enfield, CT. Circle 245 or visit www.RSLeads.com/?111mf-245

Form relief grinding fixture

The R-O form relief grinding fixture gives the tool room or cutter grinding department the ability to rapidly and accurately re-sharpen steel and carbide multiple step drills, reamers, core drills, taps, countersinks, counter bores, gun drills and similar types of cutting tools. The fixtures “form relief” principle forces heat to travel to the trailing edge of the flute and disperse in the chips. Conventional methods grind “off” the tool to hold its position against the finger, generating a feather edge at the cutting edge of the tool. This allows chips to penetrate between minute irregularities in the cutting edge, causing premature dulling of the tool and gauling on the finish of the part. The form relief method grinds in the opposite or “on” direction as a cam within the fixture governs the positioning of the flute. This generates a cleaner and stronger cutting edge. In addition, the cam action allows the relief behind the cutting edge to be generated in one motion. Separate grinds for primary and secondary relief are not needed when using conventional cutter grinders. The fixture can be used for both axial and radial relief on its own dedicated R-O grinder, the new compact R-O universal 2-axis servo control cylindrical grinder, the Cincinnati #2, K.O. Lee or the Brown and Sharpe N13 and others. Royal Oak Grinders, A unit of Seneca Falls Technology Group, Seneca Falls, NY. Circle 247 or visit www.RSLeads.com/?111mf-247

Zirconia alumina belts

Norton NorZon R801 belts are designed for finishing stainless steel, high nickel alloys, titanium, forged steel and aluminum components. In a test grinding box ends of steel wrenches on an automatic contour belt grinder, self-sharpening NorZon belts completed 2293 parts versus 1236 by a competitive belt made with premium ceramic grain. On a pressure assist grinder, the NorZon belt removed 50 stainless steel gates versus 31 and in an off-hand grinding test on forged titanium turbine blades, it completed 7.5 parts versus 6.5 for the competitive ceramic belt. The belts are made with Y-weight polyester backing in widths up to 52". Grit range is 24Y to 120Y. Norton Abrasives, Worcester, MA. Circle 248 or visit www.RSLeads.com/?111mf-248

One setup I.D./O.D. grinding

For parts demanding concentricity and dimensional accuracy, the GU4-R universal grinder incorporates a three-in-one wheelhead that automatically rotates between wheels for plunge, shoulder and internal grinding. The automatic wheel changeover from O.D. to I.D. allows the part to undergo multiple grinding operations in a single chucking. It comes equipped with a 7.5-hp spindle motor, and large 18" x 1.5" straight and 18" x 3" angle wheels. Toyoda Machinery USA, Cutting Machine Div., Arlington Heights, IL. Circle 249 or visit www.RSLeads.com/?111mf-249

Cooling system for dry grinding

Kool-Grind system for dry grinding consists of a chiller with a 4" x 4" plate and/or a 6" x 12" electro-magnetic chuck. The chiller runs coolant through the plate or chuck to cool the workpiece during grinding to prevent heat build-up and warping. This avoids flood coolant or mist spray mess. The system is useful for many applications, including thin parts, mold inserts and die sections. Without the fear of warping, you can leave less stock on your workpiece, achieve closer tolerances and reduce grinding wheel breakdown. Harig Mfg. Corp., Niles, IL. Circle 246 or visit www.RSLeads.com/111?mf-246

Drill and tool grinder

The Model 132C drill and tool combines 0.080" to 11/4" diameter capacity and a design with built-in point splitting and web thinning capabilities allowing the user to choose from a variety of HSS or carbide drill points. With minimal setup change, step drills, taps, reamers, countersinks and endmill ends can also be ground. The standard workhead can quickly be replaced with an optional air-bearing attachment for endmill O.D. grinding. Available in benchtop and cabinet-mounted manual versions and as a semi-automatic model. Models are available for larger capacities. Rush Machinery, Inc., Rushville, NY. Circle 250 or visit www.RSLeads.com/?111mf-250

CNC punch grinder

The PGX CNC punch grinder is capable of grinding round, eccentric and step HSS punches up to 6" or 550 lbs with surfaces parallel to within 0.0002". Capable of using a vitrified CBN grinding wheel or large, long-lasting wheels from 22" to 30" and run by a 30-hp spindle drive, the machine has a direct-drive axis and a rigid, vibration-dampening polymer concrete base. PunchCAM software helps users program even complex punches in minutes. No NC programming skills are needed. The dynamically balanced wheel spindle can be programmed through the CNC for 200 to 3,000 rpm or for constant surface speed. ANCA, Inc., Farmington Hills, MI. Circle 254 or visit www.RSLeads.com/?111mf-254

Multi-purpose 
CNC profile grinder

Designed for heavy duty surface grinding as well as complicated profile grinding, the FSG-H2460CNC can execute multiple grinding applications with fully automatic wheel dressing with compensation, enabling it to run unattended for hours. Chevalier’s Customized Canned Program makes the machine so easy to use that the operator simply has to fill in the blanks as prompted. FANUC AC digital servo motors provide high load carrying capacity, speed and positioning accuracy/repeatability within 0.0001". The longitudinal slide ways feature a double “V” configuration for improved structural rigidity and stability of the front base. Models are available in 24" x 40" and 24" x 80" table sizes. Chevalier Machinery, Santa Fe Springs, CA. Circle 255 or visit www.RSLeads.com/?111mf-255

Power stroked honing

The ML-3500 is designed for economical, high-performance bore sizing and finishing—up to six times faster than I.D. grinding and other honing processes. It has the ability to hone hard materials, allowing high-cost CNC machines to remain available for other applications while offering an alternative to costly hard turning. With its fast stock removal rates, preliminary reaming, boring or grinding can be eliminated on many applications. A dual-feed pressure feature allows the operator to rough and finish in one operation. Versatile, the device has the ability to finish bores with keyways or splines, multiple land tandem bores, blind end holes, thin wall parts and heavy or odd-shaped parts. Sunnen Products Co., St. Louis, MO. Circle 256 or visit www.RSLeads.com/?111mf-256

Abrasive flap discs

Cyclone discs are constructed of layered zirconium grain flaps with a natural working angle that allows constant exposure of new abrasive grain. The layered composition provides an excellent finish on steel, stainless steel and other materials. Typical applications include deburring, grinding, weld blending, deflashing and removing heavy scale stock or slag. The discs, offered in diameters from 4" to 7" in a variety of grit sizes, can replace grinding wheels for both cut and blend operations on weldments. A thicker style is available that offers 30 to 40 percent longer life than standard flap discs. Anderson Products, Worcester, MA. Circle 251 or visit www.RSLeads.com/?111mf-251

Precision surface grinders

Equiptop manual, hydraulic and fully automatic surface grinders are suitable for a wide range of applications. The table, saddle and base on all machines are constructed of high grade cast iron with heavy walls and reinforced ribs. The spindle is supported by four preloaded precision angular contact ball bearings for heavy duty operation. Machines are available with 8", 12" and 14" wheel diameters. Clausing Industrial Inc., Kalamazoo, MI. Circle 253 or visit www.RSLeads.com/?111mf-253

Decrease abrasive costs

VSM’s CompactGrain increases belt and disc life in polishing applications by three to ten times when compared to conventional abrasives. A unique granulate consists of many abrasive grains bonded together. This construction allows the product to systematically wear by constantly regenerating new sharp grinding points throughout the finishing process. Suitable for mechanical applications including robotic, flat and centerless grinding, as well as off hand and disc polishing. Are available in aluminum oxide or silicon carbide grain in belt and disc forms. VSM Abrasives Corp., O’Fallon, MO. Circle 252 or visit www.RSLeads.com/?111mf-252