ZB technology, reliability and precision in centerless grinding
For over a decade, TIAC’s ZB grinding wheels have been a strategic choice for companies seeking high-performance solutions in centerless grinding.
Engineered to deliver consistent performance, high geometric precision, and superior surface finish, ZB wheels have proven their value across various industries including automotive, electric motors, hydraulics, and mechanical transmissions.
Documented industrial applications range from needle rollers made of 100Cr6 steel (HRC 60–62) to case-hardened pins in 18NiCrMo5, as well as motor shafts, bushings, and pistons made from materials like 11L37, 420C, and 12L14. ZB wheels consistently maintain roundness, straightness, and parallelism within 1 micron, achieving surface roughness values as low as Ra 0.08 µm.
Practical application examples:
- Needle rollers in 100Cr6 steel: ground from Ø 10.10 mm to Ø 10.00 mm, total removal of 0.10 mm in two passes. Feed rate 3 m/min, final Ra 0.08. ZB wheel mounted on Officine Monzesi 1500 grinder;
- Case-hardened pins in 18NiCrMo5 for automotive differentials: ground from Ø 35.20 mm to Ø 35.00 mm with total removal of 0.20 mm in two stages (0.12 + 0.08 mm), final Ra 0.12, roundness <0.005 mm;
- Motor shafts in 11L37 steel: roughing with ZB25B wheel, 0.18 mm removed in a single pass at 1.68 m/min. Wheel life: over 12 months running 24/7;
- Pistons in AISI 420C stainless steel: total removal of 0.20 mm split into roughing and finishing. Final Ra 0.08. Excellent performance on Giustina R114/500 grinders.
Technical performance and process parameters
ZB wheels typically operate at peripheral speeds of 32–50 m/s, combined with regulating wheels in vitrified bond (e.g., AZ80VRR, A120V4R). Dressing cycles are optimized as follows:
- Dressing depth: 0.02–0.04 mm;
- Frequency: every 2 to 8 hours depending on the material;
- Purpose: restoring profile, maintaining cutting ability, reducing Ra.
The centreless grinding wheels ZB are compatible with water-soluble coolants with semi-synthetic oil content between 2.5% and 7%, and pH values from 8 to 9.
The process remains stable even under demanding production conditions, with documented wheel lifetimes between 8 and 12 months in continuous operation (16–24 hours/day).
Real production benefits
- High productivity with feed rates up to 7 m/min
- Excellent and consistent geometric tolerances
- Low surface roughness in a single pass
- Extended wheel life even in aggressive applications
- High versatility on hardened, alloyed, case-hardened, and stainless steels
