Please select a business area and your country and language.
August 21, 2023
In various industries, using industrial grinders is a process of significant importance, especially in metalworking. Professionals in the automotive industry, manufacturing plants, and foundries rely on this industrial grinding as a fundamental technique. Industrial grinders efficiently cut, shape, refine, and perform other types of grinder tool uses.
One notable feature of grinders used in industrial applications is their ability to be powered by different sources. Pneumatic grinders, in particular, are commonly employed due to their versatility and excellent power to weight ratio. These tools utilize compressed air to drive the grinding mechanism, providing high-speed rotations and precise control. Pneumatic grinders are known for their durability and efficiency, making them ideal for heavy-duty grinding tasks in demanding industrial environments.
The use of pneumatic grinders in industrial settings highlights their indispensable role in shaping, refining, and finishing various materials. Professionals who have mastered their use ensure the highest quality results and maintain operational efficiency across metalworking. The versatility and power of industrial grinders, including pneumatic ones, make them essential companions for professionals seeking precision and effectiveness in their industrial grinding processes.
Thinking of types of pneumatic industrial grinders, most of the professionals in industries such as metalworking, fabrication, foundries & casting plants or even shipbuilding, would only consider the type of abrasive wheels when choosing their tool, which is not enough. In fact, the selection between angle and vertical grinders is critical for achieving success in the grinding process across all grinder tool uses.
| Use an angle grinder | Use a vertical grinder |
| When average sized grinding discs are required: usually angle grinders are designed for abrasives wheels sized between 4" (100mm) and 6" inches (150mm). You may find some angle grinders designed for larger abrasive sizes, however the performance is nothing compared to a vertical grinder. Such vertical grinder is the right solution to make the most of large abrasives, as well as cup wheels. | When high power is needed: Some applications require high power, to allow operators to apply a heavy load (feed force). This is where vertical grinders excel: their large air motors can provide up to 4.5hp (3400 W) power which allows to quickly remove large amounts of material. |
| When maneuverability is the priority: The compact size of angle grinders allows for easy operations when working in tight areas, and makes it possible to hold the tool's overhead. | When working on large components: Some casting deburring and fabrication of large structures require to cover large surfaces, or grind on long distances. In this case, abrasives wheels of 7” (180mm) and 9” (230mm) allow to work faster than with 4” (100mm) or 5” (125mm) abrasive wheels. In other words, if you are working on a big job, use bigger tools! |
| When abrasive visibility is the priority: Thanks to their low profile, working with angle grinders ensure a good visibility on the abrasive when high precision is required for the job. | When working on benches: For this specific application, the weight of vertical grinders helps the operator as it reduces the needed feed force making his job easier. |
When selecting a tool for a specific application, it is important to consider two factors. Firstly, ensure that the chosen tool is designed to handle the precise abrasive dimension required, and that it operates at the appropriate speed. Secondly, take into account the operator's working preferences to ensure optimal ergonomics and comfort.
The overspeed shut-off function, a feature available in certain high-power pneumatic grinders, greatly reduces the risk of the grinding wheel from accidentally overspeeding. This is vital, since an overspeed incident can result in a burst disc that can injure the operator – potentially fatally.
Powerful pneumatic grinders have a governor that regulates the air inlet as a function of the speed. When speed increases, the inlet gets smaller to limit it to the maximum speed defined for the tool. This mechanism is developed to work at a certain air pressure; if the air pressure increases significantly, the speed will become too high. This is where the overspeed protection comes in.
The overspeed shut-off serves as an additional safety feature on powerful grinders to protect you. If it is triggered, it is important to investigate the cause and rectify any malfunctions in your airline system.
January 23, 2024
Grinders Metalworking Material removal
Industrial grinders are essential for material removal in industries ranging from metal fabrication to construction and shipbuilding. Heavy duty and high speed, industrial grinders make light work of deburring, contouring, chamfering, fettling,...
August 20, 2023
Material removal Vertical Grinders Tools Angle Grinders Metalworking
In various industries, using industrial grinders is a process of significant importance, especially in metalworking. Professionals in the automotive industry, manufacturing...
August 17, 2023
Expert Corner Grinders Metalworking Expert Corner
Price is an important consideration when choosing a tool for metalworking applications such as grinders, sanders, pistol drills and so on, but it alone should not be the deciding factor on which you can rely to choose the best pneumatic tools. Other...
Download our white paper
Join our mailing list
We love hearing from you! Please send us your questions, feedback or topic suggestions. Your submissions are greatly appreciated.
