Workpiece positions in grinding machines

When measuring the workpiece position in grinding machines, the position of the crankshaft is measured with micrometer precision using eddy current-based inductive sensors. The sensors are ideally suited for measurements in harsh industrial environments: they withstand oil and dirt as well as high pressure or high temperatures.

During the grinding process, the position between the grinding tool and the workpiece must be constantly monitored. This prevents excessive stress, damage and destruction of the workpiece and the grinding tool. Eddy current-based inductive sensors are used to monitor the position in a process-safe manner. When measuring the workpiece position in grinding machines, the inductive sensors achieve accuracies in the single-digit micrometer range.

To keep the distance to the grinding tool constant, the analog sensor signal is transmitted to a PLC. This adjusts the position of the grinding tool based on the measured values. Since coolant (oil) is used for the grinding process, conventional sensors reach their limits. Due to their robust design, eddyNCDT inductive sensors are ideally suited for harsh environments and can withstand oil and dirt as well as pressure and high temperatures. The application solution can also be integrated into existing systems as a retrofit.