Blanchard grinding has been available since the early 1900’s and is most commonly used on items too large for double-disc grounding. Though over a century old, not everyone knows about this grinding technique, so here is a look at its most important features.
Suitable Materials
Both ferrous and non-ferrous metals can be Blanchard ground, as well as non-metals. Some metals this technique can be performed on include aluminum, steel, copper and titanium. Plastics in molded or tapered configurations can also be ground in this way. The sheer number of usable materials makes this technique useful across many different industries.
Simultaneous Grinding
Due to the large surface area of the grinding tool, Blanchard grinding can be performed on multiple pieces at once. This is a good way to speed up turnaround time and ensure uniform finishes across similar items. This can prevent or even eliminate mismatches on large parts. An added benefit is that it doesn’t matter what material is being ground when deciding to remove stock from multiple pieces at once.
Good Grip
When grinding ferrous material, a magnet can keep the item firmly in place and prevent slipping. This helps in safety and quality control. For non-ferrous materials, such as plastics, vacuum chucks can be used to hold the item in place just as well as a magnet.
High Horsepower
It is important to note that a Blanchard grinding machine has a high level of horsepower, meaning it uses more power while working. However, many industries have seen that the speed of this machine and its ability to grind multiple products at once make up for this power usage. Depending on the exact task, the power usage of Blanchard grinders is equal to or more efficient than other methods.
Blanchard grinding can be used to make matching parts in a variety of materials in an efficient manner. Its design allows for both ferrous and non-ferrous materials and can hold them secure with either magnets or vacuum. Many industries get tools and machine parts with this method.
