CNC Cylindrical Grinder Guide

Grinding machines shape the surfaces of a workpiece using a continuous grinding mechanism with various cutting methods. However, there are several types of grinders, such as cylindrical grinders, centerless grinders, surface grinders, roller grinders, etc. These CNC grinders serve particular purposes.

CNC-based machine tools are standard equipment for large-scale production in the modern industry. In the metal processing sector, CNC cylindrical grinders are one of the most commonly used machine tools. A cylindrical grinder shapes the outer surface or inner surface of the workpiece. The cylindrical workpiece is cut and ground by an abrasive.

CNC cylindrical grinders can process various shapes, but the object must have at least one central rotation axis so that it can rotate concentrically. The shapes a cylindrical grinder is able to process include cams, ellipses, crankshafts, and more. Now, let’s take a look at one of the basic operations of cylindrical grinders: ID/OD grinding.
 

What is ID/OD Grinding

ID and OD refer to the inner and outer diameter of a cylindrical workpiece. Namely, ID/OD grinding processes the ID and OD surfaces of the workpiece. They are the foundation of cylindrical grinding techniques. By grinding materials off the surfaces, the machine can create almost limitless shapes. This very feature explains why CNC cylindrical grinders prevail across industries.
 


ID/OD Grinding, Supertec
 

Grinding Process Explained

CNC cylindrical grinders have a configuration that is similar to a turning lathe. The workpiece is held by the headstock (and supported by the tailstock if necessary). During an OD grinding process, the workpiece and the grinding wheel are both turning as the wheel advances from the radial axis to the workpiece. OD grinding is not limited by the length of the workpiece.

On the other hand, when performing ID grinding, the length of the workpiece is restricted. The reason is that the wheel advances from the axial axis to grind the inner-diameter surface. Therefore, the process goes without the support of the tailstock. Without the support, the precision of the process can be compromised since the workpiece may deflect when the other end stretches too far away from the clamping point.

Though the process may be more complex based on the actual operations the machine performs, the overall grinding process is basically similar to the mechanism described. It is important to realize that grinding is a cutting method that helps to further polish, finish, and modify the workpiece to its design.
 

Benefits of a CNC System

CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control. It is essentially a computer-based machine running calculation. The system is not limited to metal processing but also includes the plastics and rubber industries. With the CNC system, the working model is more likely to be stable and is easy to arrange. CNC also helps avoid safety problems caused by manual operations.
 

Latest Trends

If we look at the development of grinding machines in the most recent history, it is easy to see a trend. In the era of the modern metalworking industry, grinding is a process that must be performed after general processing including cutting, milling, boring, drilling, just to name a few.

Obviously, only through a comprehensive grinding process can the cylindrical workpieces be prepared for the next machining stage. Therefore, in production lines, almost all manufacturers now prepare their own internal grinders in their shop, whether they are CNC cylindrical grinders or other types of grinding machines.
 

PMG Series Presented by Supertec

 


Fig. PMG-60CNC, Supertec
 

The PMG series from Supertec is an advanced model that can perform not only OD and ID grinding but face grinding. This 3-axis cylindrical grinder combines three machines into one, which not only reduces the expenses of your shop but also improves the overall productivity. You can check the links down below to see more products and suppliers!

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