Abstract

Grinding apparatus and control system for forming non-circular punching tools comprising a grinding wheel having a cylindrical grinding surface, a rotary table with its axis parallel to the grinding wheel axis and carrying orthogonally movable slides such that one slide at a time may be actuated to generate successive flat sides of a punching tool, the table axis being positionable to define a center of rotation for an arcuate face of the punching tool which is generated upon rotation of the table, a fixture for the grinding wheel dressing tool serving to automatically define the location of the grinding wheel surface relative to the axis of the rotary table, and a computer-controlled digital system which senses the shape to be formed, parameters of the shape to be formed and which causes the slides or rotary table to be properly actuated so as to grind a punching tool of appropriate size and shape.