As explained by Karen Xia on LinkedIn in the article, “What is Cylindrical Grinding?“, cylindrical grinding is a crucial process used to achieve a fine finish on metallic surfaces, particularly for objects with a central axis of rotation, such as rods and cylinders. This technique involves the use of a cylindrical grinder, a specialized machine that rotates both the workpiece and the grinding wheel in opposite directions to remove excess material and create a smooth, precise finish.
The process begins with the machinist placing the metal piece between two centers, known as the head and tail stocks. As the cylinder rotates, the grinding wheel moves towards and away from the metal, often in varying motions, to ensure that every part of the surface is evenly ground. This meticulous process results in a flawless finish, free from crevices or scrapes, making it ideal for high-precision applications.
There are several types of cylindrical grinding, each tailored to specific needs. External cylindrical grinding, one of the most common methods, is used for grinding rotationally symmetrical workpieces. This method can be further categorized based on the clamping of the workpiece and the direction of the feed:
- Peripheral-cross grinding (plunge grinding) is used when the grinding wheel plunges into the workpiece at a right angle.
- Peripheral-longitudinal grinding (oscillation grinding) involves moving the workpiece back and forth under the grinding wheel.
- Centerless-peripheral-cross grinding (centerless plunge grinding) eliminates the need for centering the workpiece, making it suitable for smaller or more delicate pieces.
- Centerless-peripheral-longitudinal grinding (centerless through-feed grinding) allows for continuous grinding, making it ideal for high-volume production.
External cylindrical grinding often requires additional support for long, heavy, or thin workpieces to meet the necessary form and geometry requirements. This ensures that even in series production, the final product meets the precise standards required for tools like drills, cutters, and step drills.
Cylindrical grinding is an essential process in the metalworking industry, offering the precision needed for various applications.
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Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of linkedin.com.