Superabrasive applications in grinding of crankshafts: a review

Paper in proceedings, 2017

The crankshaft grinding process has evolved remarkably over the years, from plunge grinding processes run on several machines to completing a crankshaft on a single grinding machine featuring multi-spindles, where rough and finish grinding increments can be determined based on predicted grinding temperatures to avoid thermal damage and reduce wheel wear while simultaneously shortening the grinding cycle time. This paper reviews the important developments of the crankshaft grinding process, primarily by analysing patented grinding methods. The technology advancement, however, is not only process related, since it extends to grinding wheel innovation which necessitates the modification of CBN abrasive grits and optimisation of dressing.