What is Grinding? Definition, Working Principle, Types, Applications

Grinding is a type of abrasive machining process which uses a grinding wheel or abrasive belt as a cutting tool. Grinding is basically a finishing process used for producing close dimensional accuracies and desired smooth surface finish. It is commonly used to remove the material from a workpiece, to produce a smooth finish on the surface of the workpiece.

What is Grinding Process?

Grinding is the process of removing the material in the form of a small chips by mechanical action of abrasive particle bonded together in grinding wheel is similar to that of a milling cutter. Each abrasive bonded in grinding wheel acts as a small cutting point.

The grinding process is a removal of material from surface generation process used to shape and finish components made of metals and other materials. Grinding is a machining process that involves the removal of material from a surface of workpiece by using abrasive grains. Grinding is mainly performed on be performed variety of materials, including metals, ceramics and plastics.

The material removing rate in grinding operation is comparatively less as compared to other machining processes, usually 0.25 mm to 0.50 mm. Dimensional accuracy is 0.000025 mm.

Grinding process is a micro-processing method. Grinding uses a grinding tools and abrasive to generate the relative movement between the processed surface of the workpiece and grinding tool and apply pressure to remove it from the workpiece.

Working Principle of Grinding Machines:

The grinding process is used for removal of material from surface generation process used to shape and finish the workpiece. The precision and surface finished obtained by grinding are way better than milling and turning processes.

In a grinding process, there is an abrasive rotating wheel in which a workpiece is set to contact with an abrasive wheel. The grinding wheel is composed of abrasive grains held together in a binder. These abrasive grains act as cutting tools by removing the tiny chips of material from the workpiece.

Types of Grinding Processes:

Here are some of the types of grinding process are as follows,

Surface Grinding: Surface Grinding is utilizing a horizontal grinding wheel to produce a flat surface on a workpiece. It is very commonly used in the production of flat and smooth components.

Cylindrical Grinding: Cylindrical Grinding is focuses on shaping the outside surface of a cylindrical workpiece by delivering precise diameter and surface finish.

Internal Grinding: Internal Grinding is concentrates on grinding the inner surface of a workpiece, ensuring accurate internal dimensions.

Centerless Grinding: Centerless Grinding is an abrasive grinding process without the need for a spindle or fixture. Ideal for high-precision, mass production of cylindrical components.

Objectives of Grinding Process:

Here are some of the important objectives of grinding process are as follows,

1. Grinding is used to achieving the tight tolerances and intricate shapes.
2. Grinding is used to enhancing the smoothness and the quality of surface of workpiece.
3. Grinding is used for efficiently removing excess material from the workpiece.

Applications of Grinding Process:

Grinding process is widely used in various fields of engineering and manufacturing. It can be used in a number of ways to improve manufacturing processes such as,

1. Grinding process is used to improve the surface finish of machined parts.
2. Grinding is used to increase productivity.
3. Grinding is used to prepare surfaces for further finishing processes, such as surfacing, polishing or plating.
4. Grinding is used for manufacturing precision components like crankshafts, camshafts, and gear surfaces.
5. Grinding is used to ensures the production of high-precision components for aircraft engines, landing gear, and other critical and complex parts.
6. Grinding is used to improve dimensional accuracy.