Capabilities
Blanchard Grinding
Uses distinct rotary motions: the worktable rotates counterclockwise while the abrasive wheel turns clockwise. This process ensures that every workpiece is treated uniformly, yielding consistent size and surface finishes. The technique can be traced back to 1909 when the Blanchard Machine Company introduced the first vertical spindle rotary table surface grinder. This innovation laid the foundation for what we now recognize as ‘Blanchard Grinding’.
Mattinson Grinding
Mattison Grinding, employing a reciprocating technique, is frequently the final step in part production. While not designed for aggressive stock removal, the surface grinder excels in precision. It can achieve tolerances measured in the tenths of thousandths and delivers surface finishes that are notably finer than those achieved with a Blanchard grinder.
Full Capabilities
Blanchard rotary surface grinding is a process used to quickly remove material from flat surfaces. Commonly used on ferrous metals, these materials are held in place by a magnetic chuck during grinding. However, when working with non-ferrous materials, which are not magnetic, special methods are needed to hold them securely. After the grinding process, the surface often displays a cross-hatched pattern, which is a characteristic finish of Blanchard grinding. This finish typically ranges from 32-125 RMS.
Holding Tolerances
Grinding usually involves abrasive wheels or abrasive-coated belts moving at high speeds. In precision grinding, extreme accuracy is paramount, achieving tolerances as tight as 0.0002″. This requires machinery built with great precision, featuring heavy, rigid frames for alignment longevity. Additionally, rotating parts must be perfectly balanced to prevent vibrations, spindles should be housed in precise bearings, and controls must ensure machine components move with utmost accuracy when determining critical dimensions.