Cylindrical grinding machine

Cylindrical grinding machines for industrial production

How a cylindrical grinding machine works

A cylindrical grinding machine is a machine tool that is used for the high-precision grinding of cylindrical or conical outer and inner surfaces of workpieces. Cylindrical grinding is a machining process and is designed to achieve exact dimensional accuracy, shape accuracy and surface quality through minimal material removal. The grinding process is based on the removal of material by a rotating grinding wheel.

During machining, the workpieces are fixed between centres, in chucks or in magnetic clamping devices. While the workpiece rotates around its own axis, the grinding wheel moves axially or radially along the workpiece. The friction between the abrasive and the workpiece surface results in micro-cutting, which is possible even with hardened materials.

Structure of a cylindrical grinding machine

A cylindrical grinding machine consists of precisely matched components: The machine frame forms the stable base. The workhead holds and turns the workpiece, while the tailstock provides additional support. The grinding spindle with the grinding wheel is responsible for the actual material removal. Sliding or linear guides enable precise movements of the sanding unit. A CNC control system regulates all axes and processes. The equipment also includes a coolant system, measuring systems and grinding wheel dressers to ensure dimensional accuracy and surface quality.

Types of cylindrical grinding machines

At maschinenauswahl.de, we differentiate between the following types of cylindrical grinding machines:

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Cylindrical grinding machine English: cylindrical grinding machine

Production with the cylindrical grinding machine

The grinding process takes place in different variants: In longitudinal grinding, the grinding wheel moves continuously over the rotating workpiece. In infeed or pendulum grinding, processing takes place within a limited area, which enables higher material removal rates. Thanks to modern Control systems, complex machining cycles can be programmed, guaranteeing maximum repeat accuracy.

Application in industrial metalworking

Cylindrical grinding machines are used wherever high dimensional and shape accuracy is required for rotationally symmetrical workpieces. Typical industries include mechanical and plant engineering, the automotive industry, toolmaking, medical technology, the aerospace sector and energy technology. They are also used in the hydraulics and pneumatics industry as well as in the manufacturer of precision components.

Examples of typical workpieces:

Shafts
spindles
pistons
bushes
Bearing journals
Gear shafts
Engine shafts
crankshafts
pins
Hydraulic cylinders

These components often have to fulfil very high requirements in terms of roundness, cylindricity and surface quality.

Cylindrical grinding of large parts

The cylindrical grinding of large parts requires powerful machines with high rigidity and precision. The workpiece weight, thermal influences and vibrations pose particular challenges. Customised clamping technology, stable superstructures and precisely coordinated grinding parameters ensure dimensional accuracy and surface quality, even with large workpiece dimensions.

Accuracy in cylindrical grinding

Depending on the process, machine, workpiece material and abrasive, very high accuracies can be achieved in cylindrical grinding. The most important parameters for this are form accuracy, dimensional accuracy and surface roughness.

Dimensional accuracy

The achievable dimensional accuracy depends heavily on the machine rigidity, thermal stability, process monitoring and clamping.

Typical range: ±2 to ±5 µm
High-precision machining: ±0.5 to ±1 µm or better (e.g. in roller bearing production or aerospace)

Shape accuracy

This refers to the roundness, cylindricity or straightness of the ground surface.

Typical range: 1 to 3 µm roundness deviation
Peak range (fine grinding/high-precision machines): < 1 µm, sometimes < 0.1 µm (e.g. for air bearing axes)

Surface roughness

The achievable roughness depends on the abrasive, infeed, feed and cooling.

Ra value typically: 0.2 - 0.8 µm
Ultra-fine machining (e.g. with CBN or corundum on precision machines): Ra < 0.1 µm

Factors that influence the accuracy

Machine: Guide, bearing of the grinding spindle, thermal behaviour
Grinding wheel: type, grit, bond, dressing
Workpiece clamping: centring, concentricity, deformation
Cooling and temperature stability
Measuring and control technology: In-process measuring systems significantly improve accuracy

Processes with particularly high accuracy

Jig grinding
Centreless cylindrical grinding for large batch sizes
Fine grinding and superfinishing (to achieve the highest surface quality)

Cylindrical grinding of various materials

Carbide cylindrical grinding

Carbide is characterised by extreme hardness and wear resistance - CBN or diamond grinding wheels are usually used here. The grinding process requires high thermal stability and minimal tool wear.

Cylindrical grinding of aluminium

Aluminium, on the other hand, is soft, tends to smear and easily clogs conventional grinding wheels. A special coolant supply and customised grinding wheels with an open structure prevent clogging and improve chip removal.

Cylindrical grinding of ceramics

Ceramics, especially oxide ceramics, are brittle and also require diamond abrasives. The challenge here lies in controlled removal with minimised cracking - processes with low thermal load and high cutting speed are ideal.

The following applies to all three materials: choosing the optimum grinding parameters and abrasives is crucial for dimensional accuracy, surface quality and process reliability. Anyone who wants to efficiently cylindrical grind these materials benefits from specially customised solutions and sound process expertise.

Tools for a cylindrical grinding machine

A wide variety of grinding discs are used in cylindrical grinding machines, which are matched to the workpiece material and the processing task. Common tools are

Aluminium oxide grinding wheels
Silicon carbide grinding discs
CBN grinding discs
Diamond grinding discs
Resin-bonded grinding discs
Ceramic bonded grinding discs
Cup wheels
Segmented grinding discs
Profile grinding discs
Dressing tools (diamond rollers, dressing pins)

The choice of abrasive depends on the hardness of the material and the desired grinding result.

Accessories and operating materials for a cylindrical grinding machine

Various accessories and operating materials are required for the smooth operation of a cylindrical grinding machine. These include coolant and filtration systems to minimise thermal influences and ensure dimensional accuracy. Dressing tools ensure that the grinding discs retain their shape. Clamping devices such as three-jaw chucks, drivers and centres hold the workpiece securely in place. Measuring technology, such as probes or optical systems, enables process control. The equipment is supplemented by extraction systems, tool changers and, if required, automated loading devices to optimise the process.

Leading manufacturers of cylindrical grinding machines

In our manufacturers directory you will find companies that manufacture cylindrical grinding machines for metalworking.

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Selecting the right cylindrical grinding machine

If you want to buy a new cylindrical grinding machine, there are several important features and specifications to consider.

The maximum grinding length and centre width are important, depending on the dimensions of the workpiece to be processed.
The centre height should also be selected to match the workpiece size.
The accuracy of the guides and the rigidity of the machine bed have a significant influence on the processing quality.
The type of grinding wheel spindle (e.g. hydrodynamic or motorised) and the Control system, which should enable precise and reproducible processes, are also decisive.
Integrated measuring systems, automatic dressing devices and interfaces for automation (e.g. robot loading) increase efficiency.
The option of internal and external cylindrical grinding in one machine (universal cylindrical grinder) offers additional flexibility.
Aspects such as energy efficiency, ease of servicing and software connection should also be taken into account.

Find the cylindrical grinding machine that suits your production requirements now at maschinenauswahl.de.

All machines from the category Cylindrical grinding machine