Grinding refers to the process of removing unwanted material from a workpiece with applications ranging from rough snagging and dimensioning to the development of fine finishes on a broad range of materials including ferrous, non-ferrous and non-metallic. In most aspects, grinding is similar to milling, turning or other metal cutting operations, with the exception that grinding produces real value for a broad range of production processes.

Grinding wheels contain many thousands of hard and tough abrasive grains that cut away tiny chips upon application as it moves against the workpiece, overall, being a more gradual, less harsh method of machining that allows for a host of variables to be controlled with a degree of precision. The main objective of any grinding application is to accomplish stock removal to get the raw workpiece into an intermediate size or degree of finish, where completed part tolerances and finish is usually of second concern.

Snagging, rough grinding, swing frame, portable grinding, and steel conditioning are some of the most popular stock removal applications that will achieve maximum material removal within the shortest possible timeframe.

In most instances, offhand applications are preferred as stock removal brings the workpiece to approximate dimensions. This application entails either the workpiece or grinder to be handheld, with the quality and quantity of grinding being left to the skill and stamina of the operator.

Snagging, used for cleaning and dimensioning castings after they have been poured and cooled removes gates, risers, stubs, fins, parting lines and accidental surface roughness.

For small enough castings that can be picked up and brought to the wheel, floor stand grinders are most popular, with the casting being handheld and cleaned as necessary. Fettling on pedestal grinding machines entail manual guiding of the workpiece to the machine-primarily with lightweight workpieces.

Castings that are too large to be brought to the wheel, are machined on swing frame grinders, where the entire grinder is suspended on a jig over the work area and counterbalanced in order for the operator to press the wheel into the workpiece. For bulk and heavy castings, reciprocating grinding is the application of choice.

Grinding Techniques’ locally manufactured Andor grinding wheels not only offer the best in stock removal and longevity, but also reduce operator fatigue due to their high stock removal properties.

Another popular application used for heavy-duty jobs such as cleaning a casting or removing a large weld bead, is portable grinding where the grinder is powered by air, an electric motor or flexible shaft. In jobs where the grinding requirements are not as severe, raised hub wheels known as depressed -centre wheels, are used. Applications include smoothing down flat and curved surfaces for painting and finishing, cleaning up weld lines, and smoothing corners and joints. A recessed wheel flange and the depressed centre wheel geometry facilitates a flush cut when cutting off runners and risers, leading to no additional smoothing requirements.

Mounted grinding wheels, more commonly known as mounted points, are small grinding wheels with special shapes, permanently mounted on a steel mandrel and commonly used in foundries for cleaning and polishing difficult to reach spaces on the workpiece. Thanks to their high cutting ability, diverse shapes, and dimensions, they offer effortless grinding. Superflex mounted points boast reduced vibration and high impact resistance on application with proven longevity and maximum safety making them perfect for deburring and chamfering.

Grinding Techniques’ locally manufactured Andor and Superflex grinding range offer excellent longevity, with competitive lead times, providing optimum results when it comes to stock removal and finish. Apart from Grinding Techniques’ wide assortment of mounted points, the Superflex range also carries a diverse selection of tungsten carbide burrs that can be used for nearly all materials on a wide range of hand-operated pneumatic or electric machines, as well as industrial robots.

Apart from an extensive grinding range, Grinding Techniques also offer a wide selection of cutting, coated and non-woven abrasives. All the company’s products are manufactured and tested in accordance with International OSA and ISO Standards.

Proudly South African based, Grinding Techniques offers a total solution for all your abrasive needs in foundry applications. Contact one of their Application Specialists for a tailor made bonded and coated abrasive solution.

For further information contact Grinding Techniques on TEL: 011 271 6400 or email info@grindtech.com or visit www.grindtech.com