Mass spectrometry (MS) is an analytical technique for measuring the mass-to-charge ratio and the exact weight of one or more molecules present in a chemical sample. The technique is used in areas, such as the food, medical and drug, and geology and space industries. Due to the importance and diversity in applications of MS, the tools used during that process are being continuously developed. It is paramount that those sophisticated bioanalytical instruments are of the highest quality.
This is why when an OEM customer reached out to Meister Abrasives with the request to equip his machine with wheels for grinding parts for mass spectrometers, our engineers knew they had to provide a best-in-class solution. Complex to grind due to its shape, the part required several different grinding operations, meaning that significant time was needed to achieve a perfectly ground finished piece. The grinding processes required for finishing the ceramic parts are inner diameter (ID), outside diameter (OD), and face grinding. For the optimal performance and life of the wheels, a matching dressing solution was requested as well.
Based on the specifications and requirements provided by the OEM, Meister Abrasives’ engineers came up with the optimal product solution for each grinding process. The grinding wheels used to equip the machine were designed with Vitrified Diamond (Vit DIA) technology which is particularly suitable for achieving fine and precise surfaces. Grinding wheels with Meister Abrasives’ Vit DIA technology have good dressability and retain their shape with our matched Hybrid Diamond Dresser (hDD).
During preparation of the pre-ground part, its shape has to be produced with more mass than the end form would have. Therefore, to guarantee a stable process, a stock removal of 1mm is required for the ID, OD and square grinding. A stock removal of 0.3mm was required for the face grinding.
Equipping its machine with Meister Abrasives’ wheels, the OEM could guarantee an optimized process time and achieve full process stability, while meeting the complex requirements of its customer.
See the process summary below for details.
