Thomas Industrial Library

ADVANTAGES OF SINGLE-POINT GRINDING

The single-point grinding process using CBN grinding wheels can benefit many grinding shops, especially those that can only afford one cylindrical grinder.

The single-point process can be up to six times faster than conventional OD grinding.

Due to low grinding forces, workpiece drivers are not required since in most cases the frictional pressure for the centers is enough to rotate the part.

Complete grinding of almost all possible contours in one setup is possible.

The work done on this type of machine normally requires two or three specialized grinders to produce

the same lot quantities.

It is ideal for low-volume shops that cannot afford to buy specialized grinders to perform specific operations.

Indirect cost savings result from fewer operators required, lower maintenance, and less consumables.

Better workpiece accuracy is maintained because all operations are done in one setup.

Contours are easily ground by CNC programming of the axes and form requirements.

The workhandling time normally done on conventional grinders is reduced.

Long CBN wheel life between dressing cycles result in consistently producing high-quality parts.

There is little or no thermal damage to the parts being ground because less heat is generated during single-point grinding with CBN wheels.

The process is competitive with straight plunge and other conventional grinding operations for producing relatively simple geometries.

SINGLE-POINT VS CONVENTIONAL

GRINDING

The following is a comparison of some of the major points between single-point and conventional grinding.

Single-Point Grinding

High stock removal with little or no thermal damage to the part

Minor production related forces and largely driver-free operation

Consistent part accuracy for long production runs ■ Long CBN grinding wheel life with few dressing cycles

Higher initial CBN grinding wheel cost but lower cost per part produced

Complete grinding of a part in one setup (chucking) replacing the need for multiple machines

Economical for small and large production runs

Conventional Grinding

Long cycle times – multiple setups (chucking) required

Danger of workpiece thermal damage because of heat buildup

High machine and grinding wheel wear

Frequent grinding wheel dressing cycles required

Inconsistent quality parts due to wheel wear

Complex formed wheels minimize the range of part contours that can be ground

SUMMARY

The grinding process has been under fire for some time now. Many shops are looking at alternative methods to reduce or eliminate grinding from their process. Hard turning is one example.

Single-point grinding may be a way to use the accuracy and surface finish benefits of the grinding process in a way that has a lower impact on the material flow in the shop.

In virtually all metalworking operations including milling and turning, many businesses are looking to perform more operations in a single workpiece handling.

For medium volume production grinding of complex workpieces, the single-point grinding process may be a way to accomplish this for shops that rely on grinding for a living.