Stainless steel processing: external grinding of pipes – wet or dry?

Article Type:

Methods

From:

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Volume 61, Issue 1

Dry-grinding stainless steel pipes produces tarnishing. This is not just an aesthetic problem; it also increases the risk of corrosion. Pipes then have to be reworked in a time-consuming process. Tarnishing is caused by the heat that builds up during dry grinding. The heat triggers oxidisation processes in the material which become visible as tarnishing.

In contrast, wet grinding delivers extremely good grinding results, without the need for time-consuming rework. Wet grinding involves applying cooling lubricant directly to the machined material, so that no or very little heat builds up during grinding and no tarnishing develops. Wet grinding is recommended for all stages of work, from coarse grinding to surface-finishing.

Although wet or cool grinding achieves better results, smaller companies in particular are reluctant to invest in cool grinding equipment. The investment is worthwhile, even for small amounts of work. In addition to the cost savings resulting from the high work quality, wet grinding is also kinder to the grinding belts. Their service life lengthens considerably. For tradesmen, wet grinding delivers added safety and comfort when working. Swarf is bound in the coolant, so dust pollution in the workshop is low. A closed coolant circuit reduces coolant consumption and makes eco-friendly disposal easier.

Figure 2 Industrial centreless grinding in volume production using a centreless grinding module

Cool grinding equipment is worthwhile for all stainless steel processing workshops, particularly for those in handrail production, plant or tank construction, as well as in classic metalworking activities. Modular belt grinding systems, such as those offered by FEIN under the GRIT by FEIN brand, offer an alternative to purchasing a complete wet grinding system. They allow you to add a cooling lubricant module, which can be mounted tool-free if necessary (Figure 2).

More information is available from: http://www.fein-uk.co.uk