Types of Surface Grinding
Surface grinding is the most general kind of grinding method. It is a staple in heavy industries in which varying types of metal and non-metal material need to be smoothed and refined as a finishing method. This is usually seen in automotive industries.
A surface grinder comprises a table, overhead, which is held the grinding wheel. A tool called a chuck holds in place the item being worked on, commonly called a workpiece. Chucks can be vacuum, magnetic, or mechanical, subject to the workpiece materials composition.
There are 3 primary types of surface grinders: vertical-spindle, horizontal-spindle, and single and double-disc grinders. Each of them is well suited to certain materials. The basic difference is in how the grinding wheel comes in contact with the workpiece. In addition to the various surface grinding types, there are also work holding devices.
Vertical-Spindle Grinders
Vertical-spindle grinders, or wheel-faced grinders, are usually used for quick removal of material. The grinding wheel’s face is then lowered onto the workpiece underneath it. These grinders work ideally for gears, wafers, stators, rotors, inner rings, inner plates, and stops and spacers.
Horizontal Spindle Grinders
Horizontal-spindle grinders, also known as peripheral grinders, work perfectly for high-precision work, like tapered or angled surfaces and grooves or deep-set surfaces. The flattened edge of the wheel -the periphery- comes in contact with the material. Pistons, pins, connecting rods, and bearing tracks are instances of components ground using this kind of device.
Single and Double Disc Grinders
Single and double-disc grinders turn up in both vertical and horizontal-spindle configurations. These grinders have a larger area of contact between the grinding surface and the piece being worked on and can grind each side at the same time. Many rotors, spacers, plates, gears, and washers can be placed into disc grinders.
Work-Holding Devices
Metal workers frequently use these devices when using surface grinders. These devices assist in guaranteeing precise grinding and aid in preventing injury and contact with the grinder. One of the more often used devices is a magnetic chuck. Differing chucks are utilized in grinding and many other metal working methods.
Surface Grinding Applications and Techniques
Sanding. This is one of the more general utilizations the surface grinder meets. It can manage various sanding projects, from rough sanding and removal of burrs to sanding that is fine enough to precisely modify the measurements of your workpiece.
Polishing. The step following sanding is polishing, and surface grinders are adaptable enough to fulfill this also. If you are wanting to further smooth down a rough surface, polish, or buff, you can modify the grinder to do so.
Finishing. After you are done welding or metal working and require those last couple of touches to your project, the surface grinder can produce the ideal finish or refinish. Double-disc grinders are especially useful for this project since they can work several areas of a workpiece at the same time.
Cleaning. Surface grinders additionally clean and remove undesirable buildup from the materials. For instance, a grinder can remove rubber, welding marks, and possibly corrosion without damaging the material. If you want to merely strip paint off some of your materials, surface grinders are a great tool for the project.
Surface Grinding Services Phoenix
East Valley Precision offers surface grinding services near Phoenix & Chandler, Arizona. Contact East Valley Precision today!