Types of Grinding Machine: Parts, Working Principle & Grinding Wheel
What is a Grinding Machine?
Types of Grinding Machine: Parts, Working Principle & Grinding Wheel :- A grinding machine is an industrial power tool that is used to perform the grinding operation. Grinding is the process of removing excess material from a workpiece by the application of the abrasion technique. Generally grinding is a finishing operation that is carried out after other machining operations. In the grinding process, abrasion takes place between abrasive material and workpiece by relative motion. In industrial uses, this relative motion is employed with the help of an electrical motor. This is generally electrically operated but, in some cases, other modes of operation can be used.
Working Principle of Grinding Machine
The grinding machine works on the principle of the grinding process. This is a machining process in which finishing work is carried out on the workpiece. In this process, a solid object composed of abrasive particles is given a relative motion with the workpiece. Due to this relative motion when these abrasive particles come in contact with the workpiece abrasion takes place and excess material is removed from the workpiece.
Generally, in this process, a wheel which is made up of abrasive particles is used which is known as a grinding wheel. This grinding wheel is rotated by an electrical motor. The rpm ranges between 150-15000 RPM depending on the type of machine and operation which is to be performed and finishing quality.
Parameters Required for the Selection of Grinding Machines
Grinding machine varies with the type of uses. A lot of variety of machines are available. So according to our requirement, the selection of grinding machine is necessary for the best output. Following are the few factors/parameters which plays a very important role in the selection of grinding machine
1. Grinding Wheel Size
This is the size of the wheel which is to be used in the grinding process. This depends on the size of the workpiece which is to be finished.
2. Horizontal or Vertical Spindle
This is the selection criteria for the type of Opera which is to be performed. This depends on the alignment in which the process is to be carried out.
3. Frequency or Volt-Rating
This depends on the region where the machine is to be used. For example, if a machine is used in India, then frequency and volt-rating should be 50Hz and 230V but for another region like the USA, the frequency and volt-rating should be 60Hz and 110V.
4. Input Power Requirement
This is also the main parameter that affects the economy of the machine. For small process low power grinding machine are suitable and for large process the power rating should be increased as per requirement.
5. Kind of Control for Grinding Head
The movement of grinding head is fixed in different machine. In some machines head is not adjustable and in others head can be moved in one direction or in two directions. As per our requirement the machine is to be selected.
6. Hand Operated or CNC Controlled
This depends on the use and the level of accuracy is required. For mass manufacturing process CNC is preferred. But for small operations in workshop hand operated is used.
7. No Load Speed
This is also known as idle speed. This is also playing very important role in economy of machine. The idle speed directly affects the power consumption.
Criteria for the Selection of Grinding Machines for the Grinding Operation in Industries
Finding Ideal Kind of Machine
It is the most essential steps for the selection of grinding machine. It totally affects the cost and time in process. Mostly internal, external, and external centres type grinding machines are used. The requirement of these machines has increased in the market. For internal finishing of cylindrical objects internal grinder are used. External grinding machine are used to mainly finishing operations. External types machines are also available in centre less type in which two grinding wheels are provided for the centre of the work piece.
The volume of Grinding
The volume of grinding operation is also important parameter. As a grinding machine has a capability of removing a certain amount volume that is to be removed. For small scale operation where the volume is low hence low volume machines are sufficient. On other hand for machining operation or large-scale operation high volume machine is good. Hence there is a requirement of a large-scale machine with a high investment for massive material grinding.
Latest grinding machines like SMSB SGC 3000 build use of diamond dressing wheels. These machines have the capability of grinding at least forty times more metals than normal machines. The oversized wheels of such grinding machines can grind larger objects at a faster rate. These kinds of machines are faster as compared to smaller manual course grinding.
Technology and Manpower
Several kinds of activities involve manual efforts. Today, machines have several automated features that need fewer manual efforts. It may base the choice to buy the perfect grinding machines on experienced workers and wages. You should not get confused regarding this machine since certain machines become completely turned the way of working.
In the Last
When labour costs are too high and there is a lack of labour, the semi-automated machine is best. The manual grinding process can trigger health risks. Thus, it is beneficial to use the semi-automation grinding machines. Businesses should follow safety standards. They should offer their labours bulletproof glasses and partial automation.
