Process Dynamics
In-process signal acquisition and analysis of the grinding process enabled us to identify the factors that could be modified to reduce the grinding cycle time.
Grind Trak TMwas used to capture the power and displacementduring the grinding process. It was observed that thepeak power being consumed by the wheel head motor was only 4 kW which was considerablylower than the rated capacity of 7.5 kW.
To utilize the excess availablemotor capacity, it was concluded that the feed-rates could be further increased. This would result in higher material removal rate (Q) and hence reducedcycle time.This required the machine to be stiff enough to handle the higher cutting forces and a wheel capable of aggressive cutting.
Upon increasing the feed-rates, it was found that the power consumption had increased on an average and peaked at around 8kW. It was observed that even though the feed rates had been increased, the wheel behaviour was still consistent and the size and form parameters could be achieved within the desired limits.