Centerless grinding 13-8 MO stainless

[RJT]

Being asked to centerless grind a small batch of some small diameter (.110 diameter by 5/8 long) pins. We have a Dedtru centerless that we use quite often for this type of work. Just looking for a wheel recommendation. Will it grind something like 316 stainless? Would you want to grind it before or after heat treat? 40 - 45 R/C. .0002" total tolerance.

 

[Milland]

IMO, after HT.

No other thoughts...

 

[eKretz]

I'm no help on the wheel recommendation. Concur on the grind after HT.

 

[RJT]

That was my thought too (after heat treat). If it's like most 300series stainless it can load the wheel easily, so harder is better. I'll start with the wheels we usually use for 316 and 304. With the Dedtru we usually use an 8 by 1/2 by 1 1/4 wheel, so easy to change and dress.

 

[tdmidget]

The only heat treat I know of for 316 is stress relief or anneal. It doesn't harden by heat treatment.

 

[eKretz]

The only heat treat I know of for 316 is stress relief or anneal. It doesn't harden by heat treatment.

I mostly agree with your statement, but I thought the material he was asking about was 13-8 MO - which can be hardened by heat treatment.

 

[RJT]

Yes, it's 13-8 I was just saying we will probably try the wheels we usually use for 316. We are turning them down from 1/4 inch now, that was the smallest diameter I could find. Will grind next week.

 

[michiganbuck]

Not many comments here, and I have nothing to add.
Guess if no experience comes forward you might call Radac and see if their wheel man has any advice.
800 851 1095

Agree rough in soft to +.00? whatever works.

 

[RJT]

Success. Used a 60 J wheel and it worked really well. We had to push them with a paper clip like this
to get them started into the wheel. Not enough mass or weight to get them started on their own. Once engaged with the gridding wheel , they fed through fine.

 

[michiganbuck]

Getting a lot of small part jobs, I wonder if you might consider a dedtru?

UNISON DedTru® Centerless Grinding Fixture | FlexMech Engineering

www.flexmech.com

 

[RJT]

See my initial post, that's what we are using.