Author(s)

A. Kennedy & D.G. Ford

Abstract

Ths paper sets out to describe the transition of a htherto intensely manual grinding operation to what has now become an automated process placing little demand upon the skill of the operator thus removing a significant likelihood for error. The project presented considerable challenges on a number of fronts taking the application of touch trigger probing into previously uncharted territory. Indeed the forming of precision shapes in solid tungsten carbide rollers by means of special diamond grinding wheels was htherto a "black art" known only to those in the rod rolling industry. Furthermore the introduction of CNC automation into an area where craftsmanship had remained unrivalled for several generations called for a delicate approach to the issues of technique, training and manning. However, the investment w

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