As the core equipment for precision grooving, grooving machines play a crucial role in fields such as metal processing, building decoration, and woodworking manufacturing. This article will systematically analyze its classification, tool selection techniques, efficient process specifications, and key points for purchase, providing practical guidance for industry users.

 

I. Equipment Types and Application Scenarios

1. Manual Type

It is suitable for temporary and small - batch simple grooving operations, such as scoring on the surface of wood or trimming plastic parts. It is flexible to operate but requires high skills from workers.

2. Electric Type

Equipped with a high - torque motor, it can quickly complete the processing of grooves on metal plates and pipes. It is suitable for batch production in door and window processing and metal product factories, with a processing accuracy of up to ±0.2mm.

3. CNC Type

Integrated with a servo control system and a digital interface, it supports programming for grooving on complex curved surfaces and is widely used in high - precision processing fields such as aerospace aluminum materials and medical devices.

 

II. Tool Selection and Process Specifications

Tool Classification System:

- Diamond - tipped knives (35°/80°): Suitable for V - shaped grooves of 45° - 90°.

- Regular triangular knives: Matched for precision grooving of 60° - 80°.

- Square knives: Specialized for right - angled deep grooves of over 90°.

- Round - edged knives: Used for processing annular grooves such as pipe seals.

 

Key Technologies for Deep - groove Processing:

When processing long plates over 1.5 meters, use 3 - 4 groups of tools to work together. Set the feed amount of each group of tools with a 2mm difference. Alternate cutting to avoid overheating of a single tool (control the temperature < 80°C), which can improve the processing efficiency by 30% and reduce burrs. For example, for deep - groove operations on 2mm plates, it is recommended to use carbide - coated tools with a micro - step feed of 0.05mm/step.

 

III. Core Operation Specifications

1. Clamping System

Configure a vacuum adsorption platform or a hydraulic fixture to ensure a positioning accuracy of 0.01mm. For thin plates below 0.8mm, anti - deformation gaskets need to be added.

2. Cooling Scheme

For deep - groove processing, a water - based emulsion circulation system must be used, with the flow rate controlled at 5 - 8L/min. Mineral oil - based coolants are recommended for cast - iron materials.

3. Quality Inspection

The groove depth tolerance (±0.05mm) of the first piece of each batch needs to be detected by a laser profilometer. During batch processing, random inspections should be carried out every 10 pieces.

 

IV. Industry Application Examples

- Elevator Manufacturing: Processing of 304 stainless - steel guide rail grooves with a groove depth of 3mm ± 0.1.

- Photovoltaic Supports: U - shaped grooves on aluminum alloy profiles, and the double - V groove process enables 180° bending.

- Exhibition Equipment Production: Decorative grooves on acrylic plates, requiring mirror - level cutting finish.

 

V. Equipment Purchase Suggestions

1. Accuracy Verification

Check the repeated positioning accuracy of the XYZ axes of the equipment (for CNC types, it should be ≤0.01mm), and require the provision of a laser interferometer test report.

2. Power System

For metal processing, it is recommended to choose a servo motor of over 5.5kW, and for woodworking equipment, a 3kW AC motor can be selected.

3. Expansion Functions

Give priority to CNC models equipped with an automatic tool compensation system and supporting direct import of CAD/CAM to ensure room for process upgrading.

 

Mastering the scientific selection and process specifications of grooving machines can significantly improve processing quality and production efficiency. It is recommended to regularly participate in technical training provided by equipment manufacturers, update the process database in a timely manner, and continuously optimize the production process.