Double-Column Grinder For Large Parts

Chevalier’s dual-column, fixed-beam-type grinder is designed for speed and rigidity. Models feature a large grinding area with table sizes ranging to 60" × 120" and load capacities ranging to 17,600 lbs. The grinders are ideal for grinding medium- to large-sized parts for aircraft, wind turbine, automotive, power generation, oil exploration, mining and heavy machinery, the company says.

The X-axis table speed ranges from 16 to 82 fpm. To aid in continuous metal removal, the machine features a high-precision, large-diameter, cartridge-type spindle running with 4 pcs Class 7 (P4) angular contact ball bearings and a set of needle roller bearings in front. Driving the spindle is a 2,000-rpm motor running a 20" × 5" × 3" wheel.

The control system is based on the company’s PC-based Smart II CNC, which features a three-step grinding and dressing mode; programmable concave and convex grinding functions; a conversational graphic program for surface, crisscross, plunge and multi-slot grinding; an interrupt option for automatic wheel dressing during the grinding cycle and a grinding simulation mode. A “macro zone” allows the operator to create and save his or her custom programs, which can then be transferred through the Ethernet or Intranet.

Total rated power ranges from 30 to 80 hp. To accommodate extended grinding cycles, the machine uses a 132-gallon coolant tank and filtration system. The saddle movement is driven by a rotating ballscrew nut instead of a ballscrew to minimize vibration and thermal displacement. The machine base features hardened and ground double “V” longitudinal slideways for optimum straightness and smooth table movement, the company says. It also features four boxways on downfeed.