Jig grinder with automatic reciprocation and outfeed control

摘要

A control system for an automated jig grinder enables an operator to designate an incremental outfeed distance to be traversed for each outfeed operation and a reciprocation stroke count to be completed between successive outfeeds. The control system counts grinding tool reciprocation strokes and actuates an outfeed mechanism to outfeed the grinding tool the designated outfeed distance when the designated reciprocation stroke count has been reached. The incremental outfeed distance and reciprocation stroke count settings can be modified by the machine operator on a real time basis as the machine is running. The control system also enables the grinding tool to automatically travel from its upper position toward a workpiece at a first relatively high rate of speed, and then change to a slower rate of speed as the tool approaches the workpiece. This aspect of the invention is useful in wipe grinding. Alternatively, the control system allows the grinding tool to automatically travel from its upper position toward a workpiece at an initial slow rate of speed, and then change to a higher rate of speed for reciprocation. In this manner, excessive overshoot past the reciprocation limits established by an operator can be prevented.