Accubeam specializes in creating versatile tools that manufacturers can use to produce quality goods. One of our most popular products is work rest blades. These blades are critical support tools used in centerless grinding.

Learn more about what work rest blades are and how they can optimize your operations.

What Are Work Rest Blades?

Work rest blades are long metal bars that support rotating workpieces in centerless grinding setups. The workpiece sits between the grinding wheel, which grinds excess material off the surface. The regulating wheel spins to keep the workpiece set correctly against the grinding wheel.

The work rest blade sits below the workpiece adjacent to the grinding wheel to provide stability and support. Work rest blades can be fabricated from cast iron, carbide-tipped steel, and tool steel, and they are sturdy, long-lasting tools that provide:

• Workpiece Stability. The workpiece sits steadily between the grinding wheel, regulating wheel, and work rest blade so it won’t wobble or tilt. As a result, the workpiece will have a smoother and more even finish.
• Grinding Efficiency. The grinding process is faster and more consistent because the workpiece won’t wobble around or sit at the wrong angle.
• Damage Protection. A stable workpiece is less likely to develop scratches or surface damage.

Advantages of Work Rest Blades

Work rest bars provide several advantages, including the ability to produce more defined, high-quality products. Some of the biggest advantages of adding work rest blades to your centerless grinding configurations include:

• Control and Precision. Well-supported centerless grinders can efficiently and precisely shape products.
• Less Wheel Wear. The wheels also experience less damage and wear because the workpiece is held in place with consistent pressure. The wheels last longer and need less frequent replacement.
• Less Risk of Damage. The workpieces are much less likely to have scratches, deformations, or other types of damage.
• Versatile Application. Accubeam manufacturers work rest blades in a wide range of metal materials, sizes, and shapes to meet the needs of different grinding projects.

Applications of Work Rest Blades Across Industries

Any application that uses centerless grinding can benefit from using work rest blades. Consider the following examples:

Medical Industry Applications

Medical devices and surgical components need to be manufactured and shaped with the utmost precision. With work rest blades, medical goods manufacturers can follow more complex design parameters and create intricate components for medical devices, implants, surgeries, and more.

Aerospace

Centerless grinding is commonly used in the aerospace industry to create components for complex assemblies like landing gear. Work rest blades ensure the components are well-formed and precise.

Automotive Manufacturing

Work rest blades allow centerless grinding systems to create a wide range of cylindrical automotive components with fewer flaws or errors.

Bearing Manufacturing

Work rest blades create the stability needed to precisely shape bearing races.

General Machining

Consumer and commercial goods manufacturers can turn to work rest blades for superior, timely results when producing general goods.

Work Rest Blades From Accubeam Laser Marking

Since 1999, Accubeam Laser Marking has served the commercial and industrial community around the Gulf Coast with laser marking, engraving, and cutting services. We’re committed to creating high-quality parts our clients can trust, including industrial components like work rest blades.

Contact us today to learn more about our manufacturing capabilities or request a quote to start your order.