When it comes to grinding, tight tolerances and challenges are all part of the typical project or job. However, with internal grinding, a very exacting level of care needs to be taken in all aspects of the process.
This type of grinding process is required to grind bores or holes in stock, particularly in rod and bar. It is also known as inside diameter grinding and, when combined with honing techniques, it can create very tight tolerances to meet the requirements for specialized types of applications.
The Process
As can be expected, the process of internal grinding has to be very specifically controlled, which is why this is now typically done using CNC grinding equipment. For most jobs the machine will rotate the rod one direction and the grinding tool in the other, creating an additional ability to bring tolerances into the range of requirement for any job.
The grinding tool must be smaller than the diameter of the stock or rod, and different sizes of tools can be used for creating the specifications required. The company providing the internal grinding may have limitations as to the size and length of material they can work with.
The Wheels
While most internal grinding is done on metal alloys, it can also be completed on both plastics and rubbers. The different wheels used to complete the process are carefully selected based on sizes and abrasive types as well as the desired final bore size.
In some situations, and with some types of alloys or non-alloy materials, specialized grinding wheels will need to be used for internal grinding. This will ensure the tolerance required while leaving a smooth interior surface regardless of the alloy or material of the stock, rod or component.
It is also possible to use internal grinding to create components with multiple bores, barrels, cylinders or rings. This can be also be completed through the CNC process to provide virtually identical replicas of the model component over short runs as well as large production runs.
Not all companies offer internal grinding for all types of projects. It is highly recommended that choosing a company be based on their past experience, the level of experience with their technicians, as well as the type of equipment in use. The best companies are constantly upgrading their grinding machines, providing the latest in technology and services to create just the parts and component needed for any application.
