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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Tool Grinder

💰 $ - $

ManufacturingSkilled TradesMachining

🎯 Role Definition

As a skilled Tool Grinder, you are the cornerstone of precision and efficiency within our manufacturing operations. You are an expert artisan responsible for producing, sharpening, and maintaining the high-precision cutting tools that are fundamental to our production processes. This role requires a meticulous eye for detail, a deep understanding of materials and geometry, and the ability to operate sophisticated manual and CNC grinding equipment to achieve tolerances measured in microns. Your work directly impacts product quality, machine uptime, and overall operational excellence, making you a vital contributor to our success.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Machinist Apprentice
  • Machine Operator
  • Tool Crib Attendant

Advancement To:

  • Senior or Lead Tool Grinder
  • Tool Room Supervisor / Manager
  • CNC Programmer / Manufacturing Engineer

Lateral Moves:

  • CNC Machinist
  • Quality Control Inspector
  • Tool and Die Maker

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Set up, operate, and maintain a variety of manual and CNC tool grinding machines, such as surface, cylindrical, and cutter grinders (e.g., Walter, ANCA, Rollomatic).
  • Interpret complex engineering drawings, blueprints, sketches, and specifications to determine grinding dimensions, tolerances, and optimal machining sequences.
  • Select, mount, and true grinding wheels appropriate for the specific material and required finish, considering factors like grit size, bonding material, and wheel shape.
  • Perform intricate dressing and shaping of grinding wheels using various dressing tools to achieve specified forms, contours, and finishes on the cutting tools.
  • Grind a diverse range of new and used high-speed steel and carbide cutting tools, including end mills, drills, reamers, taps, and custom form tools, to exact specifications.
  • Utilize a wide array of precision measuring instruments, such as micrometers, calipers, height gauges, and optical comparators, to verify tool dimensions and ensure conformance to tolerances.
  • Conduct in-process and final inspections on all sharpened and fabricated tools to guarantee they meet stringent quality standards and functional requirements.
  • Develop, edit, and modify CNC programs for multi-axis tool grinders, using machine-specific software or G-code, to optimize grinding paths and cycle times.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve machining issues, such as wheel wear, chatter, or dimensional inaccuracies, by adjusting machine parameters, feeds, and speeds.
  • Collaborate closely with engineers and machinists to develop new tooling, improve existing tool designs, and provide expert feedback on tool performance.
  • Maintain accurate documentation of job setups, tooling specifications, inspection results, and production runs for future reference and process repeatability.
  • Perform routine preventative maintenance on grinding equipment, including lubrication, cleaning, and minor repairs, to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
  • Manage the inventory of grinding wheels, tool blanks, and other consumables, ensuring an adequate supply for uninterrupted production.
  • Fabricate custom holding fixtures and jigs as needed to securely hold complex or non-standard parts during the grinding process.
  • Work with a variety of materials, including carbide, high-speed steel (HSS), ceramics, and polycrystalline diamond (PCD), understanding their unique grinding properties.
  • Ensure all operations adhere to company safety protocols and maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment (5S) in the tool grinding area.
  • Read and interpret tool geometry from 3D models or CAD files to create or recondition complex cutting tools with high precision.
  • Monitor the condition of cutting fluid and filtration systems, making adjustments or replacements as necessary to maintain quality and extend tool life.
  • Provide technical support and guidance to machine operators regarding proper tool usage, handling, and identification of wear patterns.
  • Continuously seek opportunities for process improvement, efficiency gains, and cost reduction within the tool grinding department.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc requests for tool modification or urgent sharpening needs from the production floor.
  • Contribute to the organization's continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives.
  • Collaborate with the Quality Assurance team to investigate and resolve tool-related non-conformances.
  • Participate in daily team meetings, safety briefings, and production planning sessions.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Machine Operation: Proficiency in setting up and operating manual and CNC tool grinding machines (Surface, OD/ID, Cutter Grinders).
  • Blueprint Reading: Expertise in reading and interpreting complex engineering blueprints, schematics, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
  • Precision Measurement: Skilled in using precision measuring instruments like micrometers, calipers, optical comparators, and tool presetters (e.g., Zoller).
  • Grinding Wheel Knowledge: Deep knowledge of grinding wheel characteristics, including selection, balancing, dressing, and truing for various applications.
  • CNC Programming: Experience with CNC programming (G-code, M-code) and/or specialized grinding software (e.g., Walter Helitronic Tool Studio, ANCA ToolRoom).
  • Tool Geometry: Strong understanding of tool geometry, cutting angles (rake, relief, clearance), and their impact on machining performance.
  • Material Science: Familiarity with the properties and machinability of various tool materials, such as carbide, HSS, and PCD.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to precision and quality in every task.
  • Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to diagnose and troubleshoot complex grinding issues effectively.
  • Time Management: Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple priorities and meet production deadlines.
  • Autonomy: Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining high standards of work.
  • Collaboration: A proactive team player with clear communication skills for interacting with engineers, machinists, and supervisors.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Completion of a formal machinist apprenticeship program or a certificate/degree from a vocational or technical college.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Machine Tool Technology
  • Precision Machining
  • Tool and Die Making

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of hands-on experience in a dedicated tool grinding or precision machining environment.

Preferred: Direct experience with 5-axis CNC tool grinders (Walter, ANCA, Rollomatic, etc.) is highly desirable. Experience in a high-tolerance industry such as aerospace, medical device manufacturing, or automotive is a significant plus.

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