1. Overview of CNC Centerless Grinding Machines
A CNC centerless grinding machine is a high-precision, high-efficiency grinding device primarily used for external cylindrical grinding of workpieces such as bearings and shaft components. Compared to traditional centerless grinding machines, its core advantage lies in its automated control through a CNC system, significantly improving machining accuracy and consistency.
2. Working Principle
The uniqueness of centerless grinding lies in the fact that the workpiece does not require center holes or fixtures for positioning. Instead, grinding is accomplished through three key components:
Grinding Wheel: The primary grinding wheel, typically made of alumina or CBN, is responsible for material removal.
Regulating Wheel: Made of rubber or resin-bonded material, it rotates at a lower speed to control the workpiece's rotation and feed rate.
Work Rest Blade: Supports the workpiece, ensuring stable contact with the grinding and regulating wheels.
In the CNC system, servo motors drive the regulating and grinding wheels, allowing real-time adjustments to parameters such as speed and feed rate for closed-loop control.
3. Core Structural Components
CNC System: Uses brands like FANUC or SIEMENS, integrating PID control algorithms to compensate for deformation caused by grinding forces.
Grinding Wheel Spindle Unit: Typically employs hydrostatic bearings with radial runout ≤ 0.001 mm.
Automatic Dressing Device: A diamond roller dresser programmable for dressing cycles and profiles.
In-Process Measurement System: Laser or pneumatic gauges monitor workpiece dimensions in real time and provide feedback to the CNC system.
4. Technical Advantages
Precision: Achieves roundness of 0.5 µm and dimensional tolerances of ±1 µm.
Efficiency: Batch processing via CNC programs reduces setup time by 70%.
Flexibility: Stores multiple sets of process parameters to accommodate different materials (e.g., stainless steel, titanium alloys).