Glebar’s Applications Division conducts research and development of innovative cutoff and grinding technology. Their most recent focus was to innovate the existing design of our PG-9 series of Centerless Plunge Grinding Machines. The goal was to help customers reduce setup times, increase throughput, and maintain tighter tolerances.

Current Process: Lathes and Hydraulic Form Grinders

In order to shape spherical and cylindrical parts, manufacturers rely on lathes and hydraulically powered form grinders.

Challenges: Complicated Setup, Inconsistent and Slow Process, Manual Operation, and Open Work Environment

Lathes form parts from bar stock one at a time limiting throughput. The setup for a lathe is complicated and labor-intensive requiring a skilled technician. The cutting process relies on a skilled operator working the different gears and levers to bring the cutting tool closer or further from the part affecting the tolerance. With several manually controlled parts, the setup and cutting processes are difficult to replicate, creating inconsistent surface finishes. The open, high-speed cutting environment and manual operation increase the potential of operator injury.

While hydraulically powered form grinders can produce multiple parts per cycle, they too rely on skilled technicians for setup. Several microswitches must be configured to set the grinding sequence. As the hydraulic system warms up, the speed of the regulating wheel fluctuates, making it difficult to control the tolerances. The grinding cell of most hydraulic form grinders is exposed, raising the risk of potential operator injury.

Challenge: To mass produce golf ball cores at a low cost, while holding tight tolerances with maximum throughput.