Vane or turbine technology? 6 criteria to consider when choosing a reliable industrial grinder
Choosing the best angle grinder for your application can make a big difference to productivity and operator safety. The type of application, initial and ongoing costs, and ergonomic factors all play their part in reaching the final choice of pneumatic industrial grinder. But did you know that the type of motor – vane or turbine – can also affect overall grinding efficiency?
This article explains the difference between vane and turbine industrial grinders and highlights their respective benefits to help you make the best tool choice.
Understanding the tech
Vane motors
Vane and turbine motors exhibit distinct differences when it comes to the requirements of grinding applications, so understanding the technology is important.
Vane motors are the traditional power source for most grinders and sanders and operate using small, flat blades known as vanes within a rotor. As compressed air flows through the tool it pushes the vanes outward, causing the rotor to spin. This creates the power to drive the tool’s abrasive wheel.
Grinders and sanders that incorporate vane motors are suitable for many materials removal operations, from precision grinding and coarse grinding to fine sanding. Vane motor-powered tools are relatively lightweight and perform particularly well in humid atmospheres. However, higher friction makes vane motors less efficient, so vane grinders are less effective under heavy loads.
Turbine motors
Turbine motors, as the name implies, use a turbine mechanism instead of the traditional vane rotor. Compressed air flows through the turbine, causing it to spin at high speeds. The turbine's high-speed rotation drives the abrasive wheel.
Turbine motors were developed specifically to enhance efficiency and productivity in surface grinding tasks in heavy duty applications where a high-quality finish is essential. They are primilarly designed for high-power applications where the rapid removal of material is paramount. Turbine grinders and sanders therefore excel in applications that require rough and high-productivity grinding.
Tool selection criteria
Many factors influence final tool selection, but there are some common grounds for comparing vane grinders and turbine grinders, such as cost, energy consumption, overall efficiency, and operator comfort.
Productivity
1. Suitable for tough environments
Due to their ability to complete tasks in less time, turbine grinders contribute to a reduction in overall energy consumption. However, they do require a reliable supply of moisture- and oil-free compressed air. Vane grinders are relatively high energy and can be prone to air loss, but they are more tolerant of moisture and oil particles in the air supply.
2. Efficient material removal
Turbine motors excel in high-power applications where rapid material removal is essential. Tests conducted by Chicago Pneumatic show that, over the same period, operators can remove 63% more material with the CP3T30 turbine grinder than with pneumatic vane grinders in the same performance class. Higher material removal rates equate to higher productivity, enabling companies to increase their turnover and take on more work or be more flexible in the deployment of skilled workers.
3. Usage intensity
Vane grinders are great for general-purpose material removal and intermittent usage, but for heavy-duty applications or tasks requiring a high-quality finish, a turbine grinder is a better choice. Superior material removal rates, high energy efficiency and power-to-weight advantages mean that, compared to vane tools, turbine grinders can boost efficiency.
4. Power-to-weight ratio
Heavy or underpowered tools increase operator fatigue and mean tasks take longer to complete. Turbine motors are smaller and lighter than vane motors, which means some turbine grinders can be 30% to 50% lighter than their traditional vane grinder counterparts. This weight advantage is particularly beneficial for operators working long hours, in cramped conditions, or overhead.
Investment
5. Total cost of ownership versus short-term investment
Vane grinders typically offer a lower capital cost than turbine grinders within the same power category. However, the ongoing costs in manpower and abrasives, as well as longer maintenance downtime associated with vane grinders, can make turbine grinders more cost-effective despite the higher initial investment. Similarly, turbine grinders have fewer components that require maintenance. Turbine grinders do not have blades (vanes) that wear out over time and need to be replaced. They are also lubrication free because the gearbox, which runs in an oil bath, is hermetically sealed. Turbine grinders therefore offer a better total cost of ownership (TCO) compared with vane grinders.
Ergonomics
6. Noise and vibration
Protecting operators from exposure to noise and vibration hazards promotes wellbeing, reduces fatigue, and prevents work-related illnesses such as hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). Turbine grinders reduce sound pressures and are often perceived as up to two times quieter than vane grinders. They also deliver a better balance between downward pressure and rpm, which compensates for over-pressure applied by the operator and reduces vibration.
Making the right choice
The perspective of all parties - the manufacturer, the employer, and the operator - should be considered to ensure the optimal choice of pneumatic grinder, whether vane or turbine. Considering the application alongside the technical and performance specifications further ensures that a grinder is suitable for all aspects of operation.
Chicago Pneumatic applies these principles when designing new assembly tools, including its latest series of CP3T30 turbine grinders and sanders for heavy-duty metalworking in foundries, construction or shipbuilding. As a leading power tool manufacturer, Chicago Pneumatic can also offer expert guidance to help you find the ideal tool for your application.