Blanchard Grinding Tools

Blanchard grinding is a process suited to high production operations.old grinding wheel image by Jim Mills from Fotolia.com

Blanchard grinding is a method used in industrial applications to remove stock from one side of a large part. The process can be used on material such as plastics and nonferrous metals; however, its properties are more suited to treating ferrous metal materials. It is also referred to as rotary surface grinding because of the motion of the specific tool against the surface of the material. This method of grinding is most commonly utilized in mass production operations.

The Blanchard Grinding Wheel

The Blanchard grinding wheel is produced in different dimensions to provide variable angles of cross corner grinding. It is mounted on a vertical spindle and rotates in the opposite direction to the magnetic chuck. The tool leaves a clear finish pattern on the surfaces that it treats, which is due to the rotary movement of the grinder against the material. The Blanchard grinder provides benefits in consistency and flatness tolerance, and these properties make the tool suited to mass production of same-dimension items.

A circular magnetic chuck holds material in place through the grinding process.drill chuck image by jovica antoski from Fotolia.com

As a Blanchard grinder is typically used to treat ferrous metals, a magnetic chuck is used hold the material in place while it is ground. The chuck then rotates to counter the motion of the grinding wheel, creating an ideal angle of friction. A circular type of magnetic chuck is most commonly utilized in Blanchard grinding applications as this can be used universally on thin or thick materials. Water cooling magnetic chucks can be used in rotary grinding applications, especially where a high precision operation and finish is required.

The multipurpose nature of Blanchard rotary grinders is that they can be used to treat different materials. Although most commonly used to shape and grind ferrous metal, they can also be utilized to work on both nonferrous metal and plastic material. When grinding plastic, the magnetic chuck needs to be replaced with a Blanchard faceplate. This accessory is sold in different diameter widths to suit different wheel circumferences and is fitted securely to the grinder to hold alternative materials in place.