What are centerless grinders and why are they important?
Centerless grinders are specialized machines designed for precision grinding of straight-shaped workpieces, such as shafts or bushings. A unique feature of these machines is the lack of classic workpiece support, which means that the material is not fixed at a single point, as is the case with traditional grinders. The workpiece moves freely along the abrasive disc, which simultaneously rotates in the opposite direction.
This solution eliminates so-called “fangs” – surface irregularities that are a common problem in traditional grinding processes. Thanks to this technology, it is possible to achieve high surface quality, which is crucial for workpieces requiring exceptional dimensional accuracy and appropriate finishing parameters.
Principle of operation of centerless grinders
In the process of centerless grinding, the control of parameters such as rotational speed, contact force and workpiece travel speed plays a key role. The workpiece is freely supported between two discs: one rotating at high speed and the other responsible for stable sliding. This arrangement eliminates the need for support points, which reduces the risk of surface damage.
To maintain the quality of the process, cooling systems are also used to reduce friction and minimize the risk of material overheating. As a result, workpieces maintain dimensional stability and proper technical parameters, even when machining parts that require tight tolerances.
Types of centerless grinders and their applications
Centerless grinders can be divided into several types depending on their application and design:
- Shaft and bushing grinders
- These machines are designed for machining workpieces with simple cylindrical shapes, such as drive shafts, pins or bushings. Thanks to a high-precision disc system, it is possible to achieve surfaces with a roughness Ra of 0.2-0.4 µm and a dimensional accuracy of 1-2 µm.
- Grinding machines for rings and bearings
- Specially designed for grinding components with cylindrical internal and external surfaces, such as bearings or sealing rings. The design of these machines allows both surfaces to be ground simultaneously, significantly reducing machining time.
- Grinding machines for irregular parts
- Designed for workpieces with more complicated geometries, such as aerodynamic components or machine parts. These machines are equipped with adjustment systems that make it possible to adapt the trajectory of the discs’ motion to the shape of the workpiece.
How do centerless grinders support production at SIM Gdynia?
At SIM Gdynia, we have implemented centerless grinding technology to meet the demands of manufacturing high-precision parts. Thanks to the use of these machines, we have significantly improved the efficiency of our machining processes, which allows us to complete orders in less time while maintaining the highest quality.
One of the main effects is the achievement of surface smoothness, which is crucial for parts used in dynamic systems, such as sealing rings and machine components. In addition, shortened machining cycles and reduced material losses translate into optimized production costs. With centerless grinders, we are able to offer our customers products that meet the most stringent technical standards.
Summary
Centerless grinders are an essential part of modern machining, enabling precise and efficient production of cylindrical parts and parts with irregular shapes. Their use makes it possible to achieve a high quality surface finish, eliminating the problems associated with traditional grinding methods.
At SIM Gdynia, we use this technology to realize orders at the highest technical level, while optimizing production time and costs. This allows us to effectively support our customers in achieving their industrial goals.
