A Face Driver for Grinding is a precision workholding device used in cylindrical grinding operations where components are machined between centers.
Instead of clamping the job externally, the face driver drives the component through drive pins or blades that engage with the face of the workpiece, ensuring true concentric rotation, zero slippage, and excellent grinding accuracy.
Face drivers are essential for high-precision grinding where roundness, cylindricity, and surface finish are critical.
Applications
Face Drivers for Grinding are widely used in:
- Cylindrical Grinding Machines
- OD Grinding Between Centers
- Precision Shaft & Spindle Grinding
- Automotive shafts, axles & transmission parts
- Aerospace & engineering components
- Toolroom & production grinding
- High-accuracy batch and mass production
Key Features
- ✔ Positive drive without external clamping
- ✔ Maintains true centerline during grinding
- ✔ Eliminates slippage under grinding load
- ✔ High concentricity & repeatability
- ✔ Reduces distortion of slender components
- ✔ Hardened & ground drive pins/blades
- ✔ Suitable for light and heavy grinding cuts
- ✔ Custom design as per component face
Working Principle
The face driver mounts on the grinding machine spindle.
When the job is supported between centers, spring-loaded or fixed drive pins/blades engage the face of the component and transmit torque from the spindle—allowing accurate rotation while the centers maintain alignment.
Types of Face Drivers for Grinding
- Fixed Pin Face Driver
- Spring-Loaded Pin Face Driver
- Blade-Type Face Driver
- Heavy-Duty Grinding Face Driver
- High-Precision Face Driver
- Custom Face Driver (component-specific)
Technical Specifications
- Application: Between-center grinding
- Material: Alloy Steel / Tool Steel
- Hardness: 55–62 HRC (drive elements)
- Accuracy: ≤ 0.005 – 0.01 mm TIR
- Mounting: Spindle nose / flange mount
- Drive Type: Pins / blades (custom layout)
- Customization: As per drawing or sample
Advantages
- Superior roundness & surface finish
- Consistent torque transmission
- Faster setup compared to dog & plate
- Ideal for long and slender workpieces
- Improved grinding accuracy & productivity