CNC Grinding Machines

A grinding machine removes material with a rotating abrasive wheel instead of a cutting edge. It takes off little at a time and leaves tight tolerances and fine surface finishes, on hardened steel and carbide that are difficult or impossible to cut any other way. Grinding usually comes last, after turning or milling and heat treatment.

The category covers several kinds of machine. Cylindrical grinders work the outside and inside diameters of round parts held between centres or in a chuck. Surface and profile grinders work flat faces and forms. Centerless grinders support the part on a blade between two wheels and suit high volumes of pins and rollers. Tool grinders make and resharpen drills, end mills and inserts. Machines that grind gear teeth are listed with the gear cutting machines.

Compare the workpiece envelope for the kind of grinder: distance between centres and centre height on cylindrical machines, table size and travels on surface machines. Wheel size and wheel spindle power set the removal rate. Look at what is included for dressing the wheel and for measuring in process, since both decide how long the machine holds size without an operator.