Method for measuring abrasion in a grinding operation and apparatus

Abstract

A method and apparatus for measuring the abrasion depth of an outer surface of a substantially stationary body such as a tool which rests in working position against a rotating body such as a shaft to be ground. A measurement pin is inserted in a first direction into a measurement sleeve arranged in the stationary body, displaceably in the sleeve by action of one end of the pin against the shaft. During the grinding operation as a result of the abrasion on the surface of the stationary body the measurement pin is gradually inserted further into the sleeve and upon exceeding a distance of insertion corresponding to a predetermined abrasion on the surface of the stationary body which requires replacement of the stationary body the other end of the measurement pin contracts against an electric contact disposed inside the sleeve so as to provide an alarm via an electric circuit of an indicating device. In a path detection system a desired reference length of an end length of the measurement pin is stored. The path detection system measures and compares this end length moving past measurement feelers with the reference length stored in the path detection system. An alarm is initiated by the path detection system if the measured end length of the measurement pin is the same as or shorter than the stored reference length.