Abstract
An automatic wheel-approach system for a surface grinding machine using a hydrophone which the authors had developed is enhanced. The previous system was not reliable enough for an actual use because the coolant-flow in the nozzle is not stable and S/N ratio of the detected signal was not big enough. Then, a fluid-flow regulator and new fluid-supply nozzles are developed to enhance the S/N ratio and effects of the devices on the system reliability are experimentally investigated. An automatic approach of a porous-wheel from 5mm-clearance between the wheel and a workpiece, Δy, has been successfully performed. The wheel can be positioned as accurate as Δy=15-40μm in 4-8sec.
