Method and machine for centerless angular plunge grinding

A grinding machine for centerless angular plunge grinding a workpiece having a first axis, said workpiece being rotatable about said first axis and having essentially cylindrical sections of different diameter and at least one shoulder located between said sections, wherein a grinding wheel has a second axis inclined relative to said first axis by a predetermined angle and has a conically shaped periphery, the grinding machine comprising:

• a) means for rotating said grinding wheel about said second axis;
• b) means for bringing said grinding wheel into engagement with said workpiece along at least an axial surface line of said periphery;
• c) means for feeding-in said grinding wheel and said workpiece relative to one another by a predetermined amount of overmeasure, said feeding-in being effected in at least two steps, wherein in a first step said feeding-in is effected essentially in a radial direction and in a second step said feeding-in is effected essentially in an axial direction, such that in said first step essentially said over-measure in an area of said cylindrical sections is removed and in said second step essentially said overmeasure of said shoulder is removed.