Turned, Ground and Polished: Meaning and Applications
Metal shafts are used of Higher Speed applications which need a higher-level of precision. Premature wear on either the shaft or the bearing will occur if the shafts has a rough finish or lack concentricity and straightness. Steel shaft manufacturers often use the turned, ground, and polished method to achieve the high degree of precision necessary. The name itself tells us that the method comprises of 3 essential steps the Transforms the Scratches and Rough dimensioned metals rod into a shaft which has a straight and even finish.
What does Turned mean?
The large steel rod is twisted into a Lathe-Chuck, followed by the cutting instruments, which are put down in a lathes tool holder. The lathe has to be started, and the rod begun to rotate automatically. When the steel rod exceeds the desired speed, of the cutting tool which is inserted into the rod, thus by initiating the operation. The turn process repeats until the length of the steel rods is achieved. Depending on how large the rod is, several passes with the cutting tool can be needed.
What does Ground and Polished mean?
About the fact that the shaft seems Flat, Concentric, and Smoother after rotation, it cannot yet be used as the accuracy of the shaft. Its surface is still relatively rough, which can cause premature wear. The rod is then ground to boost the surface quality. A grinding wheel is used instead of a cutting the tool in, the ground rod to the required dimensional tolerances. To achieve the necessary accuracy, the grinding wheel extracts very small quantities of material at a time. When all of the rod dimensions have been approved, the process is completed by using a polishing wheel. This polishing procedure creates a flawless finish on the top layer.
What does Drawn, Ground and Polished mean?
It is also important to note that shafts can be drawn, ground, and polished. With one of big exception, this procedure is almost identical to rotated, ground, and polished. Rather than spinning the metal rods before rubbing, it is directly cold drawn in to the desired and appropriate sizes before being Ground and Polished. Because of the cold work done to the rod during the drawing process, this process will allow for improved mechanical properties in some of the metals.
Applications of Turned, Ground, Polished Shafts:
Tool shanks
Pistons rods
Bolts
Pinions
Axles
Motor Shafts
Mandrels
Tie-Rods
