The Center for Grinding Research and Development has received a precision grinding machine that is more than eight times faster and much more accurate than conventional machines.

The $3.7 million advanced grinding machine, built by Bryant Grinder Corp. in collaboration with The Torrington Co., was constructed using funding from the Defense Logistics Agency, on behalf of the National Science Foundation. It was delivered to UConn in October.

UConn has been responsible for developing and managing a program of research in the development of the machine, which will be made available for use by companies interested in examining its potential.

The machine, to be displayed during the center's industrial advisory board meeting April 16-17, is a shoe centerless cylindrical grinding machine, and features automatic part loading and wheel balancing, which will help it grind bearings and other machine parts with nearly flawless precision (to an accuracy of 1/100,000 of an inch).

The effort is part of the government's Advanced Grinding Machine Initiative (AGMI), a national program aimed at strengthening the U.S. machine tool and bearing industries. Advanced grinding machines are important because they enable manufacturers of everything from cars and lawn mowers to washing machines and dozens of other household appliances to produce more products of higher quality less expensively.

UConn's new machine will be used by various manufacturers across Connecticut, New England and the nation to test the new design.

RAV