14 Centerless Grinder Components You Need to Know

14 Centerless Grinder Components You Need to Know

The pencil sharpener is about as far as I have ever got in operating a complicated piece of machinery with any success.  — Robert Benchley (1889 – 1945)

We agree that a centerless grinder is certainly more complicated to operate than a pencil sharpener. That doesn’t mean that centerless grinding can’t be done successfully and reliably.  In fact, the average centerless grinder user has few difficulties at all.  Let’s start our journey down the centerless grinder highway by going through the main components that comprise a centerless grinding machine.  For the expert user, this will be a review and an opportunity to confirm that you’re as smart as you think you are.  For the novice centerless user, this will be a blog that you’ll want to keep on hand.

Machine bed

The machine bed is a rigid, heavy construction of cast iron that supports the other parts of the machine.  It houses the hydraulic reservoir and contains the wheel head assembly.  Tip:  Look for a machine with a bed that is that is extremely sturdy, which will improve machine rigidity and dampen vibration.

Swivel plate
The swivel plate is a rectangular cast iron unit mounted to the bed by a trunnion.  Its swiveling action enables the regulating wheel to be properly aligned to the grinding wheel.

Grinding wheel
The grinding wheel is the cutting tool that removes the metal from the part.  It is made of an abrasive grain and bonding components.

Grinding wheel dresser
The grinding wheel dresser is mounted behind the grinding wheel and holds the diamond that dresses the grinding wheel.

Grinding wheel head
The grinding wheel head, which holds the grinding wheel in place, is a removable housing bolted to the base.

Wheel head and spindle
The wheel head houses the grinding wheel spindle.  The spindle supports and rotates the grinding wheel with extreme accuracy.

Lower slide
The lower slide, mounted on the swivel plate, permits the regulating wheel and work rest blade to be advanced toward or retracted simultaneously from the grinding wheel.

Upper slide
The upper slide, mounted on the lower slide, allows the regulating wheel to be moved toward or away from the work rest blade. It houses the regulating wheel drive mechanism.

Dual compensation infeed assembly
The dual compensation infeed assembly is comprised of two precision ball screws mounted to the upper and lower slides.  This assembly adjusts the machine to accommodate the size of the part being ground. 

Regulating wheel
The regulating wheel is made of a rubber-bonded abrasive.  It supports the workpiece and also brakes the rotation of the workpiece.

Regulating wheel dresser
The regulating wheel dresser is mounted on the regulating wheel housing and holds the diamond that dresses the regulating wheel.

Regulating wheel head
The regulating wheel head is mounted to the face of the upper slide and can pivot on this surface.  It contains the regulating wheel and regulating wheel spindle.

Work rest
The work rest is mounted on the lower slide which supports the work rest blade.

Blade
The blade is secured in the work rest and supports the work piece.ports the work piece.

Learn about the TGS-CL-6020 centerless grinding machine:

Or, contact TGS for assistance with your centerless grinding requirements.


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