Precision Grinding
Precision grinding, also known as die grinding, is performed with handheld tools to remove material from small areas, cavities, or other confined spaces. Typical operations include creating cavities in a die and removing excess material from narrow welds. Other precision tasks include deburring cast or cut pieces of any material, such as beveling and grinding grooves. Read more
Tool Types
Die grinders are designed for precision work. These are ungeared, high-speed tools with a collet chuck, often referred to as collet grinders. Die grinders weigh about 1 kg and are relatively small and light compared to tools for rough grinding, with a limited output of up to 800W. They come in straight (short/extended) or angle (angle-head) versions, depending on the location of the area to be ground and the operator's preference.
Settings: Rotational Speeds
Speeds for precision grinding range from 20,000 to 100,000 rpm, depending on the material, shape of the burr, and workpiece. Finer, more precise operations require higher speeds and smaller burrs. The operation determines the size of the abrasive, which in turn determines the rotational speed. Choosing the right power level is crucial, balancing power requirements against increased weight. Handheld die grinders typically have a power rating of up to 800W.
Technique - Part 1
Each time a "tooth" of the burr or an abrasive grain touches the workpiece, it removes a chip. The size of the chip depends on several factors: the size of the "tooth" or grain, the hardness of the materials, rotational speed, and feed force. The operator should avoid applying excessive force that could cause the bit to jam and the tool to stall.
Technique - Part 2
Keeping the surface area of the workpiece in contact with the abrasive as small as possible provides greater control over the tool and increases contact pressure, resulting in a higher material removal rate. Rough treatment can easily damage abrasives, particularly die grinding burrs. High burr consumption will negatively impact grinding economy.
