Design of a compact grinding machine

Abstract

The availability and cost of tools are among concerns to the public and industries as key operation device used either for commercial or maintenance purposes such precision grinders or polishing machines are usually expensive. Assorted grinding tools in the market differ in terms of cost, required user proficiency levels and have different tool designs that can lead to limitations of flatness of ground surface and significant vibrations with prolonged use. The aim of this study is to develop a design compact grinder that is able to perform precise grinding and polishing while being cost efficient. Both functionality and ergonomic aspects were taken into consideration with market standards derived from datasheets. An initial design of the grinding machine was made using SolidWorks CAD software. A prototype was subsequently constructed and tested by using typical metallurgical sample preparation process with test parameters of grade of grinding paper and usage of lubricant. Microscopic image of ground specimens showed improvement in the quality of grinding with emery paper grades from coarse to fine grits with lubricant during the grinding process. Moreover, the designed compact grinding machine showed better surface finish when compared to using a typical angle grinder on aluminium sample.