Miniature Grinder for Small Precision Applications

Bryant Grinder’s Model RU1 miniature precision grinder is suitable for manufacturing small workpieces in fuel management, medical device and automotive applications. The model number, RU1, stands for the company’s Revelations operating system used to program the unit, the universal capabilities of the grinder, and machine size “1.” The miniature grinder is part of the Bryant grind systems family, which includes a range of sizes for universal, multi-surface machine tools.

The grinding machine offers a 64-in.³ (1,048 cm³) work zone, and travels measure 4.0" (100 mm) in both the X and Z axes. The grinder provides conventional chucking for ID and OD grinding, as well as between-center workholding for multi-surface OD shaftwork. A roller blade fixture enables grinding small and thin-walled parts, while a tri-roll fixture accommodates long, thin-walled parts. A shoe fixture enables grinding ID, OD, bores, ball tracks and special applications.

The grinder features FANUC linear motors, glass scales with 0.000004" (1 micron) accuracy and round hydrostatic guideways with the company’s Hydra-Truc 360-degree bearing system. The bearing system provides flexibility in the number and positioning of slides, with thermal compensation for slides and spindles. The grind system is equipped with Bryant workheads, wheelheads and dressers. Acoustic emissions sensing is included for gap, dressing and crash detection. Dressing options include single point, high frequency (cup or disk), radius (ball tracks), formed roll and CNC profile dress. Double- or single-arm-plug, bucket, single-plane and robotic loading options are also available.