Grinding Steady Rests for Camshafts, Crankshafts and Other Complex Jobs

Steady rests are a critical requirement for the grinding of camshafts, crankshafts and other relative geometries. When the piece length increases relative to the diameter, it becomes unstable and will deflect under the grind load. The use of grind steady rests eliminates the problems of part deflection, grind surface finish and centering accuracy: Fully retracting KRGU Grind Steady Rests and GHS Grind Steady Rests from Kitagawa North-Tech, Inc. (Schaumburg, IL) are supported with turnkey design, build and installation capabilities dedicated to grinding applications. They are suitable for grinding camshafts, crankshafts and other cylindrical applications where accuracy and repeatability are essential.

KRGU fully retracting grind steadies are specially designed for crankshaft grinding to accommodate the maximum eccentric throw and journal diameter of crankshafts. Custom made designs are available to accommodate automated loading. Available in standard gripping diameters from 2.75 in (70 mm) to 7.5 in (190 mm). GHS retracting grind steadies are for all standard and automated grinding applications, such as cylindrical grinding, camshaft grinding, camlobe grinding, etc. Available in standard gripping diameters from .394 in (10 mm) to 4.724 in (120 mm). Key features for KRGU and GHS Series retracting grind steadies include:

• Retractable body using guide ways.
• Suitable for all crankshaft, camshaft and cylindrical grinding applications where vertical load is a requirement.
• High accuracy, with three-point finely adjustable centering capability.
• Modular regrindable carbide or relappable PCD work rest pads.
• Works well with retracting In-Process-Gaging (IPG).

Kitagawa NorthTech also offers their Digital Grip Force Kit Analyzer Software and Kit for Windows that helps machine shops and metalworking operations to harvest, measure and analyze grip force data from their workholding equipment for Industry 4.0 applications. The Digital Grip Force Analyzer Software system serves as a digital tool for safety, process, and service diagnostics to help users make their operations smarter, safer, and more efficient. It outputs an Excel spreadsheet with grip force data collected, along with other testing data and a chart graphically detailing this information for users’ Smart applications. This smart technology tool provides a range of capabilities through its software application, including comprehensive grip force diagnostics. Once installed onto a PC or tablet and gripped by the workholding system in the machine tool, the software immediately begins collecting, measuring, and outputting static and dynamic grip force data.

This valuable data can be shared for a variety of IoT or MTConnect applications, including improving machine shop productivity, profitability, safety, maintenance and throughput. Compromised or incorrect grip force is often the cause of slippage or deformation of the parts in the chuck. When parts are not secure in the chuck, CNC machining operations are hindered from achieving maximum levels of productivity as more scrap is created. Generally, machining speeds are then reduced to accommodate operator safety concerns and issues. In these instances, either the workholding system design or improper calculations are often the cause. The benefit of a custom-engineered workholding system from the company’s in-house, custom engineering team can easily address and solve all of these issues.

By measuring, analyzing, and sharing grip force data, machining operations can determine how to improve or replace inefficient workholding systems. Maintaining proper grip force is attained through regular and scheduled maintenance. This intelligence will also help identify proper maintenance schedules and also extend the life of the workholding equipment. Improper maintenance and lack of lubrication often causes grip force issues, causing damage to equipment and risking operator safety. The collected data is also useful for fast retrieval of set-up information for future operation, workholding testing and diagnostics. The Digital Grip Analyzer Kit comes bundled as a complete kit with rugged carrying case, super powerful Bluetooth dongle, USB flash drive loaded with PC analyzer software, digital load meter and the traditional handheld pendant for manual diagnostics, testing and measurement.

Kitagawa North-Tech, Inc., 301 Commerce Drive, Schaumburg, IL 60173, 800-222-4138, www.kitagawa.com.