Snag grinding in manufacturing — what is it used for? In practical shop-floor operations, “snag” grinding refers to rough, heavy grinding on castings, forgings, or welds. What is the primary objective of snag grinding?

Introduction / Context:
Snag grinding is a shop-floor term commonly used in foundries, fabrication shops, and heavy industries. Unlike precision grinding, where the goal is tight tolerance and surface finish, snagging focuses on rapid material removal to knock off gates, risers, fins, burrs, and weld spatter before subsequent finishing operations.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Work involves castings, forgings, or welded fabrications.
• The objective is speed and productivity, not fine tolerances.
• Typical tools include pedestal grinders, portable grinders, and large, hard-grade wheels.

Concept / Approach:
Grinding operations can be categorized into roughing and finishing. Snag grinding falls firmly into roughing. Wheel selections emphasize durability and stock removal rate (coarser grain, harder grade, open structure) rather than surface integrity or dimensional control. The feed pressure is high, and the contact time is short.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the operation type: snagging is rough grinding.Define the goal: remove flash, gates, and heavy irregularities rapidly.Match wheel selection and technique to high material removal, not finish.Conclude that accuracy and finish are secondary; speed of removal is primary.

Verification / Alternative check:
Process routings typically list snagging before machining or precision grinding. After snagging, components move to milling, turning, or finish grinding to achieve the final dimensions and surface quality.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Precision surface finish and cylindrical accuracy are objectives of surface/cylindrical grinding, not snagging. Thread generation requires dedicated thread grinding or machining processes.

Common Pitfalls:
Using too soft a wheel for snagging causes rapid wheel wear. Targeting fine finishes at this stage wastes time and increases cost without benefit.

Final Answer:
To remove a considerable amount of metal quickly, with little regard for final accuracy