Centerless Grinding: An Overview

Centerless grinding, introduced in the early 1900s, revolutionized the manufacturing industry. This grinding method enables the machining of cylindrical and rotary forms without the need for chucking or similar fixtures, making it possible to grind slender and very long parts that were previously challenging to handle. Centerless grinders are precise tools used for mass production of variously shaped parts, equipped with advanced sharpening tools, automatic systems, piece movement mechanisms, and automatic dimensional control equipment. They’re used for grinding small parts like surgical clamps, large parts like axle shafts of train wagons, and other items like automotive shock absorber shafts, internal roller bearing components, and even billiard and bowling balls. These machines can grind a variety of materials, including cotton wool, glass, wood, rubber, plastics, and alloy steels. Centerless grinding is 350 times faster than traditional cylindrical grinding and can even handle parts that deform under pressure thanks to solid support placed under the workpiece.

Advantages of Centerless Grinding

• Lower Maintenance and Repair Costs: Centerless grinders have fewer frictional surfaces and are lubricated through an automatic system, reducing maintenance and repair costs.
• Fast Processing: Automatic workpiece advancement allows rapid grinding of numerous parts.
• Longer Grinding Wheel Life: With minimal material removal, the grinding wheel experiences less wear, extending its life.
• Versatility with Delicate Parts: The machine’s design, which applies no force on either side of the workpiece, allows for the grinding of easily deformable parts.
• Time Efficiency: The time required to set up and adjust workpieces in centerless grinders is shorter compared to other grinding machines, leading to time savings and increased part production.

These features make centerless grinding machines highly practical and efficient in mass production settings.