A centerless grinder is a precision machine that produces a wide variety of parts, with superior accuracy and ease of operation. The ability to hold extremely close tolerances is a distinct advantage of this technology. Compared to conventional grinding machines, a centerless grinder is more effective for smaller job lots and shops with lower manufacturing costs. However, before purchasing a centerless grinder, be sure to research the machine’s capabilities. Here are a few important tips for selecting the right model:
For more information, please visit LECN.
Features
of Centerless Grinder
The centerless grinder features fewer moving parts than other grinding machines, making it an excellent choice for parts requiring tight tolerances. A centerless grinder is ideally suited to finishing the outside diameter of small, cylindrical metal parts, and it is easy to use even by inexperienced workers. The process begins by pushing the workpiece into a regulating wheel. The regulating wheel, which operates at a slower speed than the grinding wheel, holds the workpiece in place as it rotates. The regulating wheel also determines the actual grinding speed.
Why
Choose Centerless Grinder?
Unlike other grinding methods, the centerless grinding method is highly accurate and requires very tight tolerances on the OD. OD size, roundness, and high and low frequency lobe patterns must be within tight tolerances. This type of machine is often used for low-volume production and is economical to run. It can also produce very small parts in high volume. Regardless of the application, centerless grinding is an excellent choice for small-to-medium-sized jobs.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of centerless grinding machine. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
Benefits
of Centerless Grinder
The centerless grinding process is highly accurate and precise. OD size, roundness, and lobe patterns must be tightly controlled. Throughfeed centerless OD grinding is an excellent option for parts requiring precise tolerances at an affordable processing cost. Unlike conventional methods, centreless grinding is also an effective solution for high volume production. It also offers ease of use for smaller batches. This feature of the centerless grinder makes it a preferred choice for small-scale manufacturers.
Types
of Centerless Grinder
The two types of centerless grinders are end-feed and in-feed. The former involves feeding the workpiece into the machine and the latter is the best option for irregularly shaped workpieces. The end-feed method is ideal for tapers, while the in-feed method is good for cylindrical shapes. With centerless grinding, the workpiece is kept concentrically between the grinding wheels. In-feed grinding is more convenient and a better option for large-scale production.
In
Conclusion
There are many advantages of centerless grinding. It is fast and can be used by less experienced individuals, and has a high rigidity. It is also easy to operate and produces high-quality output. The downsides of a centerless grinder include the need for fixturing and the need for long tool changes. Whether you need a large-scale production, or a small scale production, centreless grinding is the way to go.
Are you interested in learning more about CNC shaft turning machine? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
Hello folks,
I am looking at a few brands of centerless grinders and I was curious if anyone had any experience or thoughts they could pass along. We currently use Cincinnati 220 Centerless grinders for all of our work but are beginning to have issues getting spares, competent rebuilds, and cores. They are exceptional machines in every regard except when it comes time to find parts. We've had a few machines rebuilt lately and it's left a lot to be desired.
We're looking at Supertec Grinders, and Palmary Grinders but are generally interested in any of the Taiwan imports. We'd love to own a Junkers, or Studer or Micron but we don't need that level of precision (or price!).
I'm hoping the quality of the machines and level of service are up to par. They make a large enough machine for our needs (24" wheel) that does not have a ball bearing spindle (better damping without).
Can anyone share any experiences or thoughts?
If you like your cincinnati why not look at having it or another rebuilt??
When you mention rebuilt what exactly was done?? Many people think cleaning a machine and a new paint job is rebuilt. A proper rebuild job is taking the machine down to the casting and starting from there. With modern controls many rebuilt machines are actually better than when they left the factory new.
Google search rebuild cincinnati centerless and there are several shops which do this.
Surprising you mention sleeve bearing spindle! I prefer this on my large grinders as well!
I just finished a rebuild on a 2a (ww11 machine) all the spindle and reg wheel bearings are available these only needed adjusted.
The only parts issues where in the reg gearbox and vary drive.
One of the owners (the young one ) had heart palpitations at the bill but the old man was fine.
Most issues can be resolved with a week or longer working on in plant conditions (foundation, other machines, incoming electrical, setting in/out feed
and above all working with the operator on simple things) none of witch have anything to do with the rebuild, but are still necessary to make good parts.
The company I work for got rid of an old Cincinnati and got a Taiwanese grinder and it is not even close to the Cincinnati. very cheap feeling, the guides wiggle. Of course they bought the cheapest one that is half the size 12 in wheel vs 20. maybe some of them are ok this unison is not
Companies have to realize they get what they pay for.
Do you think 20, 30 or even 50 years from now the cheap imports will still be running??
I buy and or rebuild machines that I expect my son will be running someday.
What are you doing with the machine? Thrufeed or Infeed? What size of work are you Doing? Long bar working I would look at the Monza and for serious long bar work I would buy a BMS CNC Centerless grinder Bocca Malandrone Now if it short work or infeed type of work. I would buy and Estarta or Ghiringhelli. They have linear ways and move in ." steps. If these machines are out of your range just get a rebuilt Cincinnati. There are several companies out there. I get some grinding wheels from Allways Precision and they rebuild Cincinnati's. Allways Precision, Inc. Good luck.
I realize this post is a month or so old, but if you are still looking for a machine, check out Monza. They are probably the best centerless grinders on the market today, they range from completely manual to 7-axis CNC. They are built in Italy and they range from about 120k to 300k. There are almost no used ones on the market. That is because everyone that has one, loves it, and they are indestructible. Other than Monza, I couldn't recommend any other brand other than Cincinnati, except for maybe Agathon or Mikrosa, although those are specialty machines and are very expensive. If the new Cincinnati's are out of your price range, a rebuilt one is the next best thing. 325-10's are pretty close to the 220-8's you're using now. 3 being the series, 25 being the HP of the grinding wheel, 10 being the width of the regulating and grinding wheel. I would avoid any machines built in China or Taiwan. Japanese machines are okay. I knew someone who owned a Supertec grinder. It was being operated properly, running thick wall, aluminum bushings, maybe 1/4" long and 3" in diameter. One was flipped over inside the machine, and instead of just chipping the wheels, it literally destroyed all the mechanical components on the right side (regulating wheel side) of the machine. They are built of the lowest quality steel in the world and they are so far behind the Italian and American machines in technology and precision, you may be saving a lot of money, but if you go for a Monza you are getting more quality per dollar spent.
A great rebuilder that I would recommend is CRI, Centerless Repair Inc. Let me know if you have any further questions about anything related to Centerless Grinding. Good luck.
From the look of the web site of some low price brand grinders I thing five or ten years away parts will be hard to find with buying a new machine of that sort. Support may be difficult also from the start. I think I would investigate the price from a top rebuild shop that specializes in center less and compare that to a top quality new machine.
IMHO I don’t think any company is matching the old iron machines. But wore out is not good and modern machines with ball lead screws, CNC control with DRO do make up for some quality.
Might even be a good idea to have your top guy go to look at some low mileage used machines.
Buck
A few years later and we've had some rough miles with the Supertec Centerless Grinder.
Almost immediately the spindle went, shortly after we had to completely replace the CNC-PLC control. Their support people had no clue and from that point on we've been on our own. Either they don't respond, don't know, or respond a month later. We designed our own replacement CNC system and that's been our model ever since. Anything that needs replacing we replace with American made parts, Bimba hydraulic cylinders, Parker pumps, custom shafts, everything. You simply cannot get parts for it, regardless what the OE says.
We're stuck maintaining it and keeping it running but at every turn it's poor design, cheap materials, horrible support, and a machine thats not even worth scrapping. In three years we've put hours on it, it could have had much more except for the maintenance issues.
Consider it a warning if you're looking at a Supertec, steer clear.