Thread grinding method and machine

Abstract

The cylindrical peripheral surface of a rotating workpiece is ground by a first section of a rotating grinding wheel while a second section of the grinding wheel is used to simultaneously grind a thread into the peripheral surface so that the reduction of the diameter of the peripheral surface and the forming of a thread therein take place in one and the same operation. The two sections can constitute integral parts of a one-piece grinding wheel or two discrete spaced-apart components of a composite grinding wheel. The diameters of the freshly ground portions of the peripheral surface are monitored by a measuring head which transmits appropriate signals to a computer for regulation of the controls of the grinding machine so as to change the position of the grinding wheel relative to the rotating workpiece if the diameter of the ground portion of the peripheral surface deviates from a preselected value. The same measuring head can be used to ascertain radial deviations of the rotating workpiece. The profile of the second section of the grinding wheel remains unchanged in the course of the grinding operation. This is achieved by using a highly wear-resistant second section and/or by continuously dressing the second section during removal of material from the workpiece.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.