Peterson Surface Grinders - Features, Capabilities, Applications

Introduction to Peterson Surface Grinders

Surface grinders are an essential tool for precision machining applications. Peterson surface grinders have been a staple in machine shops for decades thanks to their proven performance and reliability. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Peterson surface grinders, their features and capabilities, and why they continue to be a top choice for machinists and manufacturers.

What is a Surface Grinder?

A surface grinder is a versatile precision grinding machine used to produce smooth, flat surfaces with incredible accuracy. The grinding wheel rotates across the material’s surface to remove tiny amounts of material and produce a consistent finish. This process is ideal for finishing flat surfaces and holding tight tolerances. Common applications include grinding bearings, gears, cutting tools, dies, molds, and much more.

Surface grinders use a spinning abrasive wheel to grind the workpiece. The grinding wheel is made up of abrasive grains that cut through the material and remove tiny chips. This produces an extremely accurate, flat surface finish. The workpiece is held in place on the machine's worktable, allowing for controlled material removal during grinding. Advanced surface grinders include programmable controls and automation for high-volume production environments.

History of Peterson Surface Grinders

The Peterson Machine Tool company was founded in 1920 by Swedish immigrant Albin Peterson. The company specialized in building high-quality surface grinders for the growing American manufacturing sector. Peterson grinders quickly earned a reputation for their unmatched precision and durability.

Over the decades, Peterson continued innovating and improving their signature surface grinders. They pioneered important developments like hydraulic grinding feeds, programmable controls, and precision ground ballscrews. Peterson grinders have been used to manufacture parts for automobiles, aircraft, appliances, machinery, dies & molds, and more.

Today, Peterson surface grinders are still designed and built in the USA. Third and fourth generation Peterson family members carry on the company's commitment to building the world's finest precision surface grinding machines.

Key Features of Peterson Surface Grinders

Some of the standout features that make Peterson surface grinders best-in-class include:

• Durable cast iron construction - Built to last in demanding production environments.
• Precision ground ballscrews - For smooth, accurate grinding wheel feeds.
• Programmable controls - Allow automating repetitive grinding tasks.
• Hydraulic table feeds - Enable fast, powerful table movements.
• Advanced wheelhead design - Delivers superior grinding performance.
• Large grinding capacity - For handling big workpieces.
• Powerful motor options - Up to 20 HP available.
• Extensive customization - Tailor machine to your exact needs.

These capabilities allow Peterson surface grinders to excel at both high volume production jobs and small-batch precision work. Their performance, flexibility, and durability make them a smart investment for nearly any machine shop.

Common Applications of Peterson Surface Grinders

Thanks to their precision and versatility, Peterson surface grinders are extremely well-suited to a wide range of applications, including:

• Automotive parts - Grinding valves, shafts, bearings, gears, and more to precise tolerances.
• Aerospace components - Producing smooth, accurate surfaces on turbine blades, landing gear, and other aircraft parts.
• Cutting tools - Grinding end mills, drills, lathe bits, and other cutting tools.
• Dies and molds - Smoothing and finishing die/mold cavities and core details.
• Machine ways - Grinding straight, square machine ways to tight flatness tolerances.

The list goes on. Peterson surface grinders are trusted for delivering exceptional accuracy (+/- .0002" in some cases) and surface finishes (up to 4 micro inch Ra) across countless industries and applications.

Conclusion

For over 100 years, Peterson surface grinders have been depended on by leading manufacturers for their precision, power, and reliability. Key features like programmable controls, hydraulic feeds, and durable construction make these American-made surface grinders a smart investment for nearly any machining operation.

Peterson continues innovating and building on their reputation for high-quality surface grinding machines. With proper care and maintenance, Peterson surface grinders will deliver decades of smooth, accurate grinding performance. If you’re considering adding surface grinding capabilities to your shop, be sure to take a close look at the lineup of proven Peterson surface grinders.

FAQs

What types of materials can you grind with a Peterson surface grinder?

Peterson surface grinders can effectively grind almost any material, including metals like steel, aluminum, titanium, cast iron, and superalloys. They can also grind non-metals like glass, ceramics, composites, and hard plastics.

What size workpieces can a Peterson surface grinder accommodate?

Peterson offers surface grinders to handle workpieces ranging from just a couple inches up to 60 inches long. Smaller bench style models grind parts up to 12x18 inches while the largest grinders can accommodate parts over 5 feet long.

What precision can you expect from a Peterson surface grinder?

It depends on the model, but Peterson surface grinders can routinely achieve precisions of +/- .0002” and surface finishes around 4 micro inches Ra. Their precision ground components help minimize vibration and produce consistent, accurate results.

What types of wheels are used on Peterson surface grinders?

Most commonly aluminum oxide or silicon carbide grinding wheels. Vitrified bonded CBN and diamond wheels are also options when working with exotic alloys or ceramics. Peterson can help select the best wheel for your specific application.

How long will a Peterson surface grinder last?

With proper care and maintenance, Peterson surface grinders can easily deliver 30+ years of reliable service. Their reputation for durability and longevity make them a wise long-term investment for any machine shop.