CBN grinding wheels for camshaft grinding
Camshafts combine several different functional surfaces on one component. Cam lobes and bearing journals must reliably reproduce their geometric function throughout production.
Grinding must therefore focus simultaneously on dimensional accuracy, form accuracy, and surface quality. The process design must also account for the thermal load on the functional zones.
For this application, EHWA offers external cylindrical and profile grinding wheels with CBN and the VEWN ceramic bond. The tool is matched to the customer's machine concept, cam geometry, and process requirements.
Cam lobes and bearing journals are different grinding tasks
The cam contour determines the lift motion of the valves. Bearing journals, by contrast, must fulfil a defined cylindrical function.
In both cases, the profile and form accuracy of the tool is relevant. A single standard design cannot cover these requirements without reference to component geometry, material, and process strategy.
EHWA names cast iron and forged steel as typical camshaft materials. The functional areas are frequently surface-hardened.
Product range: CBN with the VEWN ceramic bond
The official EHWA product page lists external cylindrical and profile grinding wheels for cam lobes and bearing journals. VEWN, an EHWA ceramic bond, is specified as the bond.
The stated grit range runs from B76 to B151. Wheel diameters up to 650 mm are listed.
These figures describe the product range, not automatically the right specification for every camshaft. The specific application depends on cam geometry, machining task, and the machine.
Why the ceramic bond matters in the process
In profile grinding, the wheel must transfer the desired contour under controlled conditions. At the same time, heat and chips are generated that must be managed within the process.
For the CBN grinding wheels, EHWA describes longer dressing intervals, high profile stability, and reduced thermal load as relevant process goals. Which effect is actually achieved depends on material, parameters, coolant, and dressing strategy.
A matched bond can help balance the process between stock removal, profile retention, and thermal safety. For production, this balance is more important than an isolated performance figure.
Planning roughing and finishing deliberately
EHWA lists designs for roughing and finishing processes as well as for series or high-performance processes. It follows that the desired process step must already be clearly stated in the inquiry.
In roughing, the focus is on controlled stock removal. In finishing, form and surface gain further importance.
The selection should therefore consider at least the material, cam geometry, grinding strategy, and target requirements for the functional surfaces.
Dressing as part of the process chain
Dressing affects the usable grinding wheel geometry and therefore the process control. For profiled tools, retaining the cam contour is a central consideration.
EHWA associates longer dressing intervals with stable profile accuracy and reduced downtime. The appropriate strategy, however, must be adapted to the machine, dressing tool, and component requirements.
Information for the technical inquiry
A targeted tool design begins with complete process information:
- material and heat treatment of the camshaft
- cam and bearing journal geometry
- machining step and grinding strategy
- existing machine concept
- desired form and surface requirements
- coolant and dressing concept
Technical consulting
Would you like to discuss your application with us? Contact: genc@ehwadia.de