When your car is having trouble, you want to find a mechanic with the best technology to diagnose and repair your vehicle. They should definitely be familiar with the high-tech, modern computers that run cars, and have the appropriate tools to handle your repairs.

From your car to your computer and everything in between, technology – and the know-how to utilize it properly – is a big factor in deciding whom you trust your maintenance needs to.

This technology and expertise is imperative with your rolls, too. Your roll maintenance provider should be able to grind your rolls to your exact specifications. That’s why you need an expert who knows how to employ CNC grinding. 

With CNC (computer numerical control), the roll grinding process is controlled by computers, as opposed to the manual systems still used by outdated maintenance providers.

Through computer-based programs like CAD (computer-aided design) and CAM (computer-aided manufacturing), you’re able to achieve the following competitive advantages over manual grinders:

• Improved lead time
• Increased productivity
• Greater accuracy
• Hands-off programming
• Tighter tolerances
• Superior service

Let’s explore how roll maintenance providers who utilize CNC grinding are able to ensure a high-quality grind.

First, it’s important to understand that the precision grinding effort begins before you even get to the actual grinding step. Your roll grinding provider should ensure proper setup, appropriate temperature control and exact positioning in order to set the foundation for their CNC system to achieve a superior grind.

Proper Setup

Attention to detail is key when it comes to ensuring that your products are manufactured exactly to your specifications. This applies to your roll grinding setup as well.

Roll grinding experts who use CNC systems make sure that the proper procedures are followed even before the grinding begins. When your rolls arrive at the grinding facility, their bearings and housings are carefully removed to prevent them from shifting during grinding.

If bearings or housings are left fixed to your roll, any roll movement could inhibit the roll grinding provider from eliminating imperfections. It could even cause further imperfections to the roll.  Without proper setup, the best computer controlled equipment will struggle to overcome these inconsistencies.

That’s why experienced roll grinding providers know that proper setup before any grind is the foundation for performing a quality job.

Temperature Control

Before the grind begins, your roll maintenance provider must monitor the environment in which the grinding is being performed. It is critical to ensure that the rolls are ground in a controlled environment. Otherwise, the uniformity of the grind is at risk.

With CNC roll grinding, you’re able to achieve 3D grinds, which are essential for rolls running at over 285 degrees F, as well as those that require near-perfect surface uniformity or few variations in caliper.

Precise Positioning

CNC grinding enables precise positioning control, a real advantage over traditional grinding methods. Many of the outdated roll maintenance providers fail to properly  position the crown – an important step in achieving product uniformity.

With precise positioning, however, CNC systems achieve exact specifications. When the grinder is set up properly, the result is an ability to ensure the same crown 360 degrees around the roll – making it possible to meet your precise specifications in CD and MD.