Producing tapers by centreless grinding Which centreless grinding method is commonly used to produce a tapered workpiece profile?

Introduction / Context:
Centreless grinding has three principal modes: through-feed, infeed (plunge), and end-feed. Each suits different geometries such as straight cylinders, shoulders, and tapers.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Standard centreless setup with regulating wheel, grinding wheel, and work-rest blade.
• Objective is a continuous taper over length, not a short chamfer or shoulder.

Concept / Approach:
Through-feed keeps the work moving axially at a constant rate and is ideal for straight cylindrical parts; it cannot generate an intentional taper unless the machine is set with a tapered blade or special alignment, which is not typical. Infeed (plunge) is used for shouldered/formed parts where grinding occurs without axial feed. End-feed feeds the work axially until it stops (often against a stop) while the regulating wheel axis is set at a slight angle or the work-rest arrangement is adjusted to produce a taper along the part.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Select end-feed mode for parts requiring a taper over length.Set regulating wheel angle and/or work-rest blade height to achieve desired taper per unit length.Grind while feeding the work until the stop is reached, forming the taper.

Verification / Alternative check:
Machine manuals specify end-feed for cones/tapers; infeed is for profiles/shoulders, through-feed for straight bars and pins.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Through-feed: produces straight parallel diameters by default.
• Infeed: used for localized features and forms, not a continuous taper length.
• “Any” or “form wheel only” misstate the typical centreless methods.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing centre-type cylindrical grinding methods (where wheel dressing can create tapers) with centreless practices.

Final Answer:
End-feed grinding