Overview of CNC Tool and Cutter Grinder

A tool and cutter grinder is used to sharpen milling cutters and tool bits along with a host of other cutting tools.

 

It is an extremely versatile machine used to perform a variety of grinding operations: surface, cylindrical, or complex shapes. The image shows a manually operated setup, however highly automated Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines are becoming increasingly common due to the complexities involved in the process.

 

The operation of this machine (in particular, the manually operated variety) requires a high level of skill. The two main skills needed understand of the relationship between the grinding wheel and the metal being cut and knowledge of tool geometry. The illustrated set-up is only one of many combinations available. The huge variety in shapes and types of machining cutters requires flexibility in usage. A variety of dedicated fixtures are included that allow cylindrical grinding operations or complex angles to be ground. The vise shown can swivel in three planes.

 

The table moves longitudinally and laterally, the head can swivel as well as being adjustable in the horizontal plane, as visible in the first image. This flexibility in the head allows the critical clearance angles required by the various cutters to be achieved.

 

CNC Tool and Cutter Grinder

 

Today’s tool and cutter grinder is typically a CNC machine tool, usually 5 axes, which produces end mills, drills, step tools, etc. which are widely used in the metal cutting and woodworking industries.

 

Modern CNC tool and cutter grinders enhance productivity by typically offering features such as automatic tool loading as well as the ability to support multiple grinding wheels. High levels of automation, as well as automatic in-machine tool measurement and compensation, allow extended periods of unmanned production. With careful process configuration and appropriate tool support, tolerances less than 5 micrometers (0.0002″) can be consistently achieved even on the most complex parts.

 

Apart from manufacturing, in-machine tool measurement using touch-probe or laser technology allows cutting tools to be reconditioned. During normal use, cutting edges either wear and/or chip. The geometric features of cutting tools can be automatically measured within the CNC tool grinder and the tool ground to return cutting surfaces to optimal condition.

 

Significant software advancements have allowed CNC tool and cutter grinders to be utilized in a wide range of industries. Advanced CNC grinders feature sophisticated software that allows geometrically complex parts to be designed either parametrically or by using third party CAD/CAM software. 3D simulation of the entire grinding process and the finished part is possible as well as detection of any potential mechanical collisions and calculation of production time. Such features allow parts to be designed and verified, as well as the production process optimized, entirely within the software environment.

 

Tool and cutter grinders can be adapted to manufacturing precision machine components. The machine, when used for these purposes more likely would be called a CNC Grinding System.

 

CNC Grinding Systems are widely used to produce parts for aerospace, medical, automotive, and other industries. Extremely hard and exotic materials are generally no problem for today’s grinding systems and the multi-axis machines are capable of generating quite complex geometries.

 

Interested in CNC Tool Grinder? TOP WORK Industry Co., Ltd is a professional and experienced tool cutter manufacturer in the industry. Top Work is specializing in manufacturing CNC Tool Grinder, Manual Tool Grinder, HOB Sharpening Machine, and so on products. If you need more details about CNC tool and cutter grinders, welcome to visit our website and feel free to contact TOP WORK!

 

TOP WORK INDUSTRY CO., LTD.

No.9, 6th Road, Taichung Industrial District, Taichung 40755, Taiwan.

TEL: +886-4-2358-1558

FAX: +886-4-2358-1268

 

Article Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tool_and_cutter_grinder