Control of the traverse grinding process using dynamically active workpiece steadies

Three control methods for the workpiece steady based traverse grinding process are examined and a new approach, termed the dynamic workpiece steady control method, is proposed for improved grinding efficiency and accuracy. This method requires that the motion profiles of the steadies vary dependent upon the wheel position. Mathematical models for a steady based traverse grinding system are presented together with an iterative algorithm for the determination of the position profiles of the workpiece steadies. A case study of the grinding process is considered to demonstrate the proposed control method and it is shown that a reduction in grinding error and a higher grinding efficiency involves an increase in the force applied by the steadies, which can affect workpiece surface quality. Accordingly a compromise between these parameters has to be made.