Grinding is one of the most common operations based on the principles of abrasive processing. The removal of rough surfaces on brittle and hard substrates is required in various areas, including the organization of floor coverings in construction or bringing production structures to a state that complies with regulations. In the traditional sense, grinding is the elimination of the outer layer of the surface in order to give it a more aesthetic appearance. In addition, this operation is associated with stripping and leveling, which is also quite true.
Technology of the operation
All grinding methods in one form or another involve the use of an abrasive. This is a material whose structure is represented by grains of fine sand or rock particles protruding from the main surface. During the grinding process, the rough surface acts on the target area, thereby relieving it of bumps and dirt. In general, the grinding process can be represented as a mechanical effect on the work area due to the abrasive, as a result of which the surface acquires new qualities. This may be cleaning the material, leveling its surface, or removing an entire layer. In the simplestSanding is represented by the function of sandpaper, which can be used to smooth the edges of a wood block. In this case, the technology is implemented manually, but there are also mechanized machines and devices that automatically provide the effect of abrasive action.
Differences from polishing
Grinding and polishing intersect in some parameters of the working operation, but their fundamental tasks are slightly different. The fact is that polishing is implemented in order to obtain a decorative effect. This is what determines the peculiarity of the technical organization of the process. Polishing measures involve a more precise and gentle effect on the material. At the same time, a high degree of rigidity can be maintained in the processing of metal or stone, which makes it possible to deform the outer layers at a depth of microns. Another thing is that we are talking about a minimal intrusion into the surface structure, which often excludes even damage to the protective layer. In turn, grinding is often a rough removal of the upper layer, which is provided by coarse abrasives. Another difference is the use of special abrasive pastes and mastics in the polishing process. They help to more effectively implement the mechanical effect on the structure of the material, preventing the risk of excessive damage to the workpiece.
Grinding Varieties
There are several classifications according to which grinding technologies are distinguished. FirstIn turn, this division concerns manual and machine execution of operations. The same processing with sandpaper or stone abrasive bars applies to manual methods. Machine action on the surface is more productive and efficient. In this group of methods, belt, disk and flat grinding methods are distinguished, which differ in the characteristics of the working equipment and the method of organizing the force impact. For example, tape machines are powered by an electric motor, and functional equipment is represented by belts, on the surface of which there are abrasive particles. Disc and flat abrasive elements are also integrated into the equipment of electrically driven machines and independently perform surface finishing. The user only needs to set the parameters of the abrasive action in advance and guide the unit during operation.
Features of centerless grinding
Traditionally, the organization of grinding involves center fixation of the workpiece without the possibility of changing its position. But there is also a method of centerless processing, in which the product is given rotation. This approach justifies itself in cases where it is necessary to process metal parts with high precision. In fact, grinding is a technology of dynamic abrasive design of workpiece surfaces. Usually, to implement this method, several circles are used, which are fixed on the functional equipment of the machine. Of course, centerless machining is only applicable in a full-fledged production process, when operators have the opportunity toensure not only a secure position of the workpiece, but also give it rotation.
Sanding tools
Grinding tools include both manual devices in the form of files and abrasive stones, and mechanized equipment. The segment of mechanized means deserves the greatest attention. They differ in design, method of action and scope. In construction, for example, floor machines are common, thanks to which wooden surfaces are processed. This technique provides for different grinding modes, each of which sets a special set of operating parameters. The setting, in particular, lends itself to the intensity of the impact of the abrasive, the depth of cut and the speed of movement of the working equipment. Simpler manual-type devices, but with electrical filling, are more often used for processing individual structures and parts - such grinding machines find their place in workshops and at certain stages of production cycles, where automation of the technological process is impossible.
Sanding materials
Almost all grinding operations, regardless of the tool used, involve the use of an abrasive. This is a solid object or surface, which is characterized by roughness and graininess. In practice, this element can be both a nozzle for grinding in the machine, and a separate homogeneous bar, which acts as both a handle and a processing surface at the same time. At the same time, there are materials of natural and artificialorigin, which should be considered separately.
Natural and synthetic abrasives
Today, the characteristics of diamond abrasives, which are of natural origin, are highly valued. The crumb of this mineral is used in the manufacture of processing wheels of varying degrees of hardness. With the help of such equipment, grinding of metal and stone is realized. The segment of natural abrasives also includes pumice, garnet, quartz and corundum.
Artificial or synthetic abrasive materials also cannot do without the use of natural particles in the structure, but at the same time they are subjected to multi-stage processing. To date, grinding technologies of this type involve the use of various alloys, combined mixtures and mineral slag. Often, in order to save the production process, technologists include abrasives and some types of industrial waste in mixtures.
Finish sanding
If processing is done to achieve a certain aesthetic effect, then a finishing step may be required after basic cleaning and leveling. Its task is to endow the surface with optimal roughness indicators. Again, unlike polishing, sanding is a way to get a smooth and even surface with a haze tolerance. Finishing of this type is realized by surfaces, the abrasive of which is designed for an average depth removal of 0.15-0.02 microns. Moreover, this task can be performed by universalgrinders, the capabilities of which also allow you to cope with rough cleaning. Again, for different operations, the appropriate operating modes of equipment apply.
Conclusion
Grinding operations are used in various fields, but equipment developers focus on the maintenance function of finishing surfaces. It can be classic parquet, and wall materials in the form of plaster, as well as metal and plastic flooring. Of course, grinding the surface of a single part is included in the spectrum of production operations. Technologies for performing work of this type are characterized by higher accuracy and flexibility in control. Manual labor in this area is practically not involved, and machines with programmable control and management are increasingly coming to the fore.
