Tight tolerances - Precision operation prevents bar material from grinding to a halt

摘要

While the market for precision ground bar stock has grown, suppliers have been hampered in their ability to consistendy produce the material with the required tolerances. This factor recendy led Bohler-Uddeholm of South Boston, VA, a supplier of high-speed steels and powder metallurgy produced tool steels, to upgrade its centerless grinding capabilities. The improved process included a larger grinding wheel with more abrasive area to reduce the stock removal per revolution of the part and thus increase grinding wheel life, and additional monitoring devices to help control straightness of bars.