Eco- and Energy-Efficient Grinding Processes

Eco-efficiency of manufacturing processes is increasingly important. Here grinding is supposed to be unfavorable because of the need for coolant and a high energy consumption per removed material volume. Nevertheless, it can be not be substituted by an alternative process due to the superior quality of ground parts. The overall eco-efficiency of grinding can be improved by different approaches. A better understanding of grinding processes and a modified setup of the process chain minimizes the material to be removed by grinding. Design changes of the machine tool can significantly reduce the energy consumption of additional devices as coolant supply units without a loss of flexibility. Adapted process parameters increase eco-efficiency and can also improve cost effectiveness while maintaining part quality.