Grinding

Grinding is a method to obtain a certain surface or fine tolerances.

When grinding, a grinding stone or grinding wheel is rubbed against a component. This changes the component's surface, either to increase tolerances or to achieve nice surfaces or reduced friction.

Grinding is also used for cutting purposes, especially for shallow cuts when milling is inappropriate. Even though grinding is commonly used to improve surfaces, it is suitable for mass production when machining large amounts of components or materials.

There are several methods of grinding and grinding machines. The two main categories of grinding are surface grinding and cylindrical grinding, of which surface grinding is the most common one. Then a rotating grinding wheel is used to acheive flat surfaces. The wheel can be have different shapes depending on what kind of component is grinded. When the wheel rubs the workpiece a flat surface is created. On the other hand, cylindrical grinding uses a round-shaped grinding stone to grind cylindrical shapes with high precision. Cylindrical grinding, also known as center-type grinding, is usually external but internal grinding also occur.

There are several subcategories, for example centerless grinding. Centerless grinding machines have no centres or chucks, instead components are supported by a blade and a regulating wheel, which controls the components rotation.

Each grinding machine has at least one grinding wheel or grinding stone, which consists of an abrasive and a bonding agent. The composition depends on the material of the component and the purpose of grinding.

Usually every workshop has grinding machines or co-operations with grinders. If a grinding job is complex or a large, there are specialized grinding workshops.

Picture: Central Grinding Services Ltd