Importance

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Abstract

A dual split station production grinding machine includes first and second elongated electromagnetic chucks or other suitable work holders located to the opposite sides of a central grinding head location and defining separate work stations. A computer programmable control permits user programming for particular reciprocating movement of the grinding apparatus over each chuck for grinding. Sensor units are located at the opposite limit positions of the wheel for each station and provide input signals to the processor for controlling the traversing movement of the grinding head. An interlock means includes manual cycle starter controls permit enabling the machine to automatically cycle back and forth between the operating stations. The program for each work holder is separately created with the total vertical movement of the grinding wheel as well as incremental movement during successive passes, and the number of final spark-out passes. A wear compensation factor is incorporated in the program to position the wheel and compensate for wheel wear to grind the surface to a highly accurate final dimension. The start positions for the two work holders are spaced slightly from each other. The head moves to the alternate start position for the other work holder for unloading and reloading parts during the grinding of parts over the other work holder. The program includes different stop controls which permit interruption of the grinding cycle. The program may permit restarting from the same program point or require recycling.

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First Claim