CNC Grinding: Between Centers, Centerless, Surface & Face

We always have our noses to the grindstone. We have you covered 24/7. 

CNC Grinding: Between Centers, Centerless, Surface & Face

We always have our noses to the grindstone. We have you covered 24/7. 

CNC Grinding Services
Tecton employs a wide variety of grinding technology and uses them (along with other precision manufacturing processes) in planned or automated combinations to create tight tolerance, high-quality parts.

What Is Centerless Grinding?

With centerless grinders, a workpiece is supported by a work rest blade and set between a hard vitrified regulating wheel that rotates the workpiece and a rotating grinding wheel. Centerless grinding is an OD (outer diameter) grinding process. Unique from other cylindrical processes, where the workpiece is held in the grinding machine while grinding between centers, the workpiece is not mechanically constrained during centerless grinding. Therefore the parts to be ground on a centerless grinder do not need center holes, drivers or workhead fixtures at the ends. Instead, the workpiece is supported in the grinding machine on its own outer diameter by a workblade and by the regulating wheel. The workpiece is rotating between a high-speed grinding wheel and a slower speed regulating wheel with a smaller diameter.

What Is Between Centers Grinding? 

A between centers or cylindrical grinder is a type of grinding machine used to shape the outside of an object. The grinder can work on a variety of shapes, however, the object must have a central axis of rotation. This includes but is not limited to such shapes as a cylinder, an ellipse, a cam, or a crankshaft.

Where Does Between Centers Grinding Occur On A Workpiece?

Between centers grinding is grinding occurring on an external surface of an object between the centers. In this grinding method the centers are end units with a point that allows the object to be rotated. The grinding wheel is also being rotated in the same direction when it comes in contact with the object. This effectively means the two surfaces will be moving in opposite directions when contact is made which allows for a smoother operation and less chance of a jam up.

What is Surface Grinding?

Surface grinding is a finishing process that uses a rotating abrasive wheel to smooth the flat surface of metallic or nonmetallic materials to give them a more refined look by removing the oxide layer and impurities on workpiece surfaces. This will also attain the desired surface for a functional purpose.

What Is A Surface Grinder Composed Of?

The surface grinder is composed of an abrasive wheel, a work holding device known as a chuck, and a reciprocating or rotary table. A chuck holds the material in place while it is being worked on. It can do this one of two ways: ferromagnetic pieces are held in place by a magnetic chuck, while non-ferromagnetic and nonmetallic pieces are held in place by vacuum or mechanical means. A machine vise (made from ferromagnetic steel or cast iron) placed on the magnetic chuck can be used to hold non-ferromagnetic workpieces if only a magnetic chuck is available.

What Are The Best Materials For Surface Grinding?

Typical workpiece materials include cast iron and mild steel. These two materials don’t tend to clog the grinding wheel while being processed. Other materials are aluminum, stainless steel, brass and some plastics. When grinding at high temperatures, the material tends to become weakened and is more inclined to corrode. This can also result in a loss of magnetism in materials where this is applicable.

What Is CNC Face Grinding?

CNC Face grinding is a finishing process that uses the front end of an abrasive wheel to smooth the face of metallic or non-metallic materials. The axis of rotation of wheel can be vertical or horizontal. This face grinding machine is used commonly because of its higher capacity and compatible design.
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