Off-line honing of slicer blades

摘要

An apparatus and method for honing, sharpening or grinding a curved peripheral cutting surface of a slicer blade (54; 106; 112) are provided. Included is the use of one of a set of interchangeable cams (94; 113) that generally follows the curved shape of the blade cutting surface, whether same has a constant radius or varying radii. In order to minimize downtime and sanitation operations, the honing is accomplished off-line of the slicer equipment. Preferably, the slicer blade (54; 106; 112) remains perfectly flat during honing, and the movement of one or more honing or grinding wheels (61, 76) is closely controlled so as to provide honed or ground cutting edges which are of substantially uniform width throughout their respective peripheries. Honing is accomplished in accordance with objectively measured sharpness standards by which superior sharpness levels are attained. <IMAGE>