Responsible to: Production Manager
Position Overview
We are seeking a skilled Universal Grinder to carry out precision external (OD) grinding of tungsten carbide die inserts and steel die cases, and to assemble the finished components using our hydraulic press. Working from engineering drawings to tolerances typically in the region of a few microns, the successful candidate will set and operate universal cylindrical grinding machines, dress and true both conventional and diamond wheels, and inspect their own work using a full range of hand and bench metrology equipment. This is a hands-on manual grinding role — no CNC programming experience is required.
Key Responsibilities
- Set up and operate universal cylindrical grinding machines to grind the outside diameter of tungsten carbide die blanks and inserts to drawing
- Grind the outside diameter and faces of steel die cases and sleeves to the required size, roundness and surface finish
- Work components between centres, in chucks, on mandrels and in centreless/Dedtru fixtures as appropriate to the job
- Select, mount, balance, true and dress grinding wheels, including diamond and CBN wheels for carbide and conventional abrasive wheels for hardened and soft steel
- Set and adjust wheel speeds, work speeds, infeed and traverse rates, and coolant delivery to achieve the required size and finish
- Set and grind tapers and angles by swivelling the table or wheel head, and verify the resulting form on the shadowgraph
- Interpret engineering drawings, tolerances and GD&T, and calculate interference (shrink) fits between carbide inserts and steel cases
- Prepare and press carbide inserts into steel cases using the hydraulic press, ensuring correct alignment, seating and pre-stress without damage to the carbide
- Inspect work in-process and on completion using verniers, micrometres, plug and ring gauges, concentricity gauges, dial test indicators, bore gauges and the shadowgraph
- Carry out routine operator maintenance such as lubrication, coolant levels and condition, guarding checks and machine cleanliness
- Support other areas of production and assist with training less experienced operators as required
Machines and Equipment Used
- Universal cylindrical grinding machines (e.g. Jones & Shipman 1076, Myford MG-series)
- Centreless / Dedtru grinding
- Hydraulic press for carbide to steel case assembly
- Metrology: vernier callipers, external and internal micrometres, plug and ring gauges, bench centres and concentricity gauges, DTIs, and shadowgraph for taper
Required Qualifications and Experience
- Time served or demonstrable hands-on experience in precision cylindrical/OD grinding in a toolroom or precision engineering environment
- Ability to set and operate manual universal grinding machines without close supervision
- Confident use of measuring equipment such as verniers, micrometres, plug gauges, concentricity gauges and shadowgraph and the ability to interpret the readings correctly
- Ability to read and work from engineering drawings, including tolerances, surface finish symbols and GD&T
- Sound understanding of grinding wheel selection, dressing and truing, and of speeds, feeds and coolant
- A technical engineering qualification, for example: Level 3 Machining Technician apprenticeship; Level 3 NVQ/Diploma in Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering, Machining or Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (EAL, City & Guilds or BTEC); T Level in Engineering and Manufacturing; or an equivalent recognised engineering qualification. Level 2 (BTEC/City & Guilds/NVQ) with strong relevant experience will also be considered
- Accuracy and attention to detail when working to close tolerances
- Good spoken and written English and basic numeracy for calculating sizes, allowances and fits
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience grinding tungsten carbide with diamond wheels
- Experience of interference/shrink-fit assembly of carbide into steel cases using a hydraulic press
- Background in cold forging or fastener tooling, die making, gauge work or general toolroom work
Personal Attributes
- Methodical, self-motivated and able to plan and prioritise their own workload
- Takes ownership of quality and inspects their own work rather than relying on final inspection
- Reliable and flexible team member, willing to support other production areas
- Committed to safe working practices and a tidy, well-maintained work area
Salary £14.00 + pending on experience
Job type Permanent
Job status Full Time
Hours 7:00am – 16:00pm Mon-Thurs and 7:00am – 13:00pm Fri
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Schedule:
Work Location: In person
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From £14.00 per hour
Education:
- GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Work Location: In person
