A grinding machine, popularly known as a grinder, is a power tool or machine tool used for grinding. Like other machine tools, it is a machining process that uses an abrasive wheel as the cutting tool. The abrasive grain on the wheel’s surface cuts a small chip from the workpiece through a shear deformation.
Well, in this reading, you’ll be learning what a grinding machine is, its parts, diagram, types, operations, advantages, disadvantages, & how it works.
Let’s begin!
Contents
What is a Grinding Machine?
A grinding machine or grinder is an industrial power tool that features an abrasive wheel for cutting or removing chips from metal surfaces. It can also be defined as a process of metal cutting by using a rotating abrasive wheel from the surface of the workpiece.
The grinding machine comprises a power-driven grinding wheel rotating at the necessary speed and a bed with a device to guide and hold the workpiece. The diameter of the wheel and the manufacturer’s rating define the speed. The grinding head may move over a fixed workpiece or remain stationary while the workpiece moves.
Using a grinder on a workpiece that shows low surface roughness will help to obtain high surface quality, accuracy, and dimension.
Grinding Machine Diagram
How Does a Grinding Machine Work?
The working of a grinder or grinding machine is quite interesting and easy to learn and perform. It is widely used in different manufacturing companies, and it is available in different types. They are used for grinding workpieces at high surface quality and the accuracy of the shape and dimension.
A grinder features an electric motor that supplies motion power to the grinding wheel using a pulley and belt. For the portable grinder, the rotor is inside the grinding machine, and the power switch is located beside the handle of the grinder. So, the switch must be pressed before the grinder works.
For grinders that feature an electric motor, the motor rotates at a certain rpm (from 150 to 1500 RPM, it may change according to the type of grinding machine.) The grinder works with the help of a v-belt and cone pulley when it transfers to the grinder’s head.
Operations Of a Grinding Machine
The following are the operations that can be performed on a grinding machine:
- Surface grinding operation.
- Cylindrical grinding operation (internal and external cylinder grinding.)
- Centerless grinding operation.
- Form grinding operation.
- Wet and Dry grinding operations.
Read more: Operations that can be performed on grinding machine
Types Of Grinding Machines
The following are the types of grinding machines:
Belt Grinders:
These machines often employ coated abrasives to treat metals and other materials during the machining process. From finishing to deburring to stock removal, belt grinding is a flexible technique fit for all kinds of projects.
Surface Grinders:
A surface grinder is made up of a rotary table, an abrasive wheel, and a chuck for holding workpieces. To achieve a smooth finish, the material is held in place by the chuck as the wheel and item are revolved.
Bench Grinder:
A bench grinder is often attached to a workbench or floor stand and contains two wheels, one for roughing and one for finishing operations. The wheels have varied diameters. Its applications include forming tool bits or other instruments needing manufacture or maintenance. Bench grinders are run by hand.
Cylindrical Grinders:
A cylindrical grinder is used to shape the outside of a workpiece. Workpieces of any form may be fed into these machines as long as they have a central axis for rotation. The workpiece and grinding wheel spin in tandem in a cylindrical grinder.
Centerless Grinders
Two rotary wheels are used by centerless grinders to hold the workpiece firmly in position. A centerless grinder doesn’t utilize a spindle, contrary to a centered grinder. The pace at which the material is removed is determined by the wheel rotation speed.
Parts
Grinding machine parts consist of the following parts:
The base or bed is made of cast iron, which rests on the floor and carries all the machine parts.
Tables are usually two in some types of grinders: the lower and the upper table. The lower table is designed to produce a transverse movement to the work by sliding one of the guideways on the bed, which is achieved by power or by hand.
The headstock is positioned over the bed and supports the workpiece with the aid of a dead center and drives it.
The tailstock can be adjusted and fixed in any required position to accommodate different lengths of the workpiece.
The wheelhead consists of a grinding wheel and a driving motor.
Advantages
Below are the benefits of a grinding machine:
- High surface finish and accuracy are produced.
- Ability to machine hard material.
- Less pressure can be applied to work.
- Ability to work at high temperatures.
- Offers highly accurate dimensions.
- Ability to cut any type of metal at a speed rate.
- It can produce a smooth surface
Disadvantages
Below are the limitations of a grinding machine:
- The tools are highly expensive.
- Materials are removed little by little, making it a time-consuming process.
- Operation is carefully done to avoid damage.
That is all for this article, where I explained the grinding machine, its parts, diagram, and how it works. I hope it was helpful; if so, kindly share it with others. Thanks for reading; see you around!