In-process gaging for this discussion is the continuous measurement of the workpieces during the grinding process in the work area of the machine. The grinding process can be controlled and optimized dependent on the measured parameters. Internal grinding, match grinding, flat grinding on precision parts including shaft, turbo-chargers, pistons, injector components, and hydraulic valves can hardly be successful without an in-process gaging system to measure, collect part data, and provide that information to the machine to optimize the manufacturing process as it is happening. In this way, scrap can be avoided, production interruption can be eliminated, and piece cost can be controlled.
Over the last couple of decades, increasingly higher tolerance requirements have mandated development of in-process measurement systems for O.D. and I.D. grinding applications. These systems locate workpieces, identify and control grinding wheel in-feed rates, measure and control part size, and help compensate for wheel wear. In-process measuring and controlling the machine tool’s operation with that data has greatly improved the quality of the parts produced. This is increasingly important as tolerances on the parts continue to become tighter.