Today we will discuss about main type of grinding machine. Grinding is an another type of machining process which is used to for finishing purpose. This process is used as secondary machining process because it is always done after a primary machining on other machine tool like lathe, milling machine etc. We have discussed about grinding process in our last article. If you haven’t read that article, kindly read it first.

The grinding is a simple process in which very small size of chips are remove from work piece by rubbing action of an abrasive material. But at different condition according to the working environment, different types of grinding machines is used.

Types of Grinding Machine:

The conventional Grinding machine tools are classified in mainly four categories which are as follow:

1. Surface Grinding machine
2. Cylindrical Grinding machine
3. Internal Grinding machine
4. Special types of grinding machines

1. Surface Grinding machine:

As the name suggest surface grinding machine is used to machine the outer surfaces mainly flat and horizontal surfaces but using the formed grinding wheel this type of grinding machine is also capable to machine counter surfaces. The surface grinding machines are further classified according to the position of the spindle and working table which are as follows:

1. Reciprocating table with horizontal spindle
2. Reciprocating table with vertical spindle
3. Rotary table with horizontal spindle
4. Rotary table with vertical spindle

2. Cylindrical Grinding machine:

It is used to machine cylindrical work pieces only. It is capable to machine only outer surfaces of cylindrical objects but can be able to machine any cylindrical profile such as tapered, straight and stepped profiles. This machine also further classified according to the portion of the work piece and grinding wheel which is as follow:

1. Centreless cylindrical surface grinding machine
2. Universal cylindrical surface grinding machine
3. Plain centre type cylindrical grinding machines

3. Internal Grinding machine:

As per the name this machine is used to machine the internal surfaces which should be of cylindrical in shape but by using this machine we are capable to machine different cylindrical profiles which are already discussed in cylindrical grinding. The three main types of grinding machines are

3. Chucking type internal grinding machine
4. Centre less internal grinding machine
5. Planetary internal grinding machine

4. Special types of grinding machines:

These are some special kind of grinding machines which are used only for special operations and all these machines have different setups some of these machines are as follow:

1. Tool and cutter grinding machine:
   These are the special types of grinding machines which are used for the machining of cutting tools which are used for milling, turning and drilling operations. The grinding of a tool has two parts i.e. manufacturing of new tool and re-sharpening of an old tool. The simple single point cutting tool which is used in turning is machined or sharpened by using pedestal grinder or hand on bench type grinder whereas multi-point cutting tools such as milling cutter, drilling tools, hob cutters and reamers are machined by some sophisticated grinding machines like cutter grinder and universal tool.
   
2. Creep feed grinding:
   In this process, the high depth of cut is introduced with relatively low table speed. The main motive of such things is to complete the whole operation in a single pass so that machining time reduces and productivity increases.
   
3. Thread grinding machines:
   This is a type of special grinding machine having a special grinding wheel. This machine is almost similar with the cylindrical grinding machine but it has very precised lead screw for producing the accurate pitch on the threaded part. This machine is used to produce very fine threads after the grinding operation.
   

These are different types of grinding machine. If you have any query regarding this article, ask by commenting. If you like this article, don’t forget to share it on social networks. Subscribe our website for more informative articles. Thanks for reading it.