Brown & Sharpe Manufacturing Co.

Peter P Matthews

Raymond J Guertin

Chuhong Kang

Surface grinding machine

A surface grinding machine capable of being computer operated and having a multi-function capability for performing conventional slot and surface, plunge, side wheel, creep feed and short stroke grinding in any desired combination or sequence. A table containing a workpiece is driven by a highly tensioned, circulating primary belt drive system capable of providing a desired grind with a desired length and speed upon command. The base is formed as a unitary body, and the table travels on ways which are formed integrally with the base. The column containing the grinding wheel assembly moves with respect to the workpiece along cross ways transverse to the table ways which are supported along their length by the base. The column drive is coupled to the column by a mechanically and thermally isolated ball screw nut mount which eliminates screw nut shoulder weave and reduces thermal conduction into the column. A housing containing the grinding wheel moves vertically along ways in the column and a magnetic brake is utilized in the vertical drive for the wheel housing to prevent damage to the workpiece during power interruption. Both the vertical ways for the wheel housing and the horizontal cross ways for the column are self-aligning and include a shoe and a cage containing needle roller bearings which is driven by a rack and pinion arrangement along the ways. A computer terminal may be provided for automatic control of the machine, as well as a manual control panel which is slidable across the front of the machine for convenience in operation thereof.

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West Warwick, RI, United States of America

Peter P Matthews