A computer-controlled precision tool removes material from metallic or other surfaces to achieve a specific dimensional accuracy and surface finish. This automated process typically employs a rotating abrasive wheel to grind the workpiece, which is securely held on a reciprocating table. Variations exist, including rotary table models, each tailored for particular applications and workpiece geometries. For instance, cylindrical grinders are specialized for shaping external or internal cylindrical surfaces.
Automated grinding offers significant advantages over manual methods, including increased productivity, improved consistency, and reduced operator fatigue. Precise control over parameters such as depth of cut and feed rate allows for tight tolerances and exceptional surface quality, crucial in industries like aerospace, automotive, and medical device manufacturing. The development of computer numerical control (CNC) technology revolutionized this field, allowing for complex geometries and automated production runs, drastically improving efficiency and repeatability compared to earlier, manually operated machines.