Workholding Stability in Shoe Centerless Grinding

Abstract

The workholding stability problem has been one of the critical issues in shoe centerless grinding since it can directly affect the grinding process, and therefore cause the surface quality and the dimensional accuracies of a workpiece to deteriorate. In order to solve the problem, this paper investigates the underlying workholding mechanism of a shoe centerless grinding system, and proposes theoretical models to predict the driving capability of the system. The models are verified by an experimental study. It is made clear that workholding stability is achievable if the driving capability of the drivehead is matched by the constraint capability of the workholding system. Based on the models, workholding stability conditions are established that can serve as a guideline to the manufacturing industry.