Contents

• 1. Multi-axis Tool Grinder
• 2. Belt Grinding
• 3. Centerless Grinding
• 4. Why are Tool Grinders Important?

Tool grinding is considered very economic in the manufacturing sites for the restoration of the cutters and tools. In the machine tool and machinery industry, tool grinding is a must for all the manufacturing sites for it ensures cutting accuracy and processing repeatability. There are various types of tool grinders available on the market. Each of them has different features and advantages. Let's take a look at some common models in the industry today.
 

Multi-axis Tool Grinder

Multi-axis tool grinders usually have 5 (or 6) grinding axes, therefore the 5-axis and 6-axis tool grinder. The 5-axis design contains five movable axes that can coordinate with synchronized works at the same time. With such a capability, the tool grinder is able to process the cutting bit with complex profiles and groove designs.

5-axis Drill Bit Grinding, Grinder Qiandao

In the metalworking industry, tool-and-cutter grinding is similar to de-burring. Metal burrs are raised edges or small pieces of materials that remain on the cutter. Tool grinding is the mechanism that removes those unwanted burrs and sharpens the cutting edges of the cutters.
 

6-axis Tool Grinder, The Equipment Hub

Belt Grinding

Belt grinding is an abrasive machining process used on metal (or other materials) tooling and parts. This process provides fine finishes to the surface of a part. It also sharpens cutters such as grinding wheels. There are several methods for belt grinding, such as stroke belt, platen belt, wide belt, etc.
 

Belt-grinding, Tyler Bell

Centerless Grinding

The grinding head, regulating head, and work rest are the fundamental elements of this type of tool grinder. These three components are distinguished from all the other methods. In regular condition, the workpieces are pressed in between the grinding head and the rest support unit. The objective of the regulating head is to coordinate the belt pressure as planned.
 

Fundamentals of Centerless Grinding, Metal Cutting Corp

Why are Tool Grinders Important?

Tool and cutter sharpening is vital. Dull cutting tools decrease the efficiency and quality of a machining process. The worn cutting edges of the tooling slows down the drilling or milling process. The unevenness on the tool surface is disadvantageous to precision works where tight tolerance is a must. Therefore, sharpening the tools constantly with a tool grinder is necessary.

Tool and cutter grinding methods vary based on the tooling type it deals with. The cutters include saw blades, milling cutters, turning tools, drill bits, and more. Take a saw blade for instance, whether it is a circular saw or a band saw, the blade wears due to the constant contact. The blade needs to be re-sharpened. The need of maintaining sharpness is universal to the turning tools, drill bits, and milling cutters. Even though many onsite operators use disposable cutter pieces now, there are still many traditional uses of lengthy steel cutters that need to be re-sharpened after use.