Precision grinding is a manufacturing process that employs a rotating grinding tool to remove material from a workpiece such that it conforms to the desired specifications. Grinding tools consist of abrasive material, which chip or scratch off layers of material as the tools or workpieces rotate. They are available in a variety of tool designs and abrasive materials to suit different substrates and grinding specifications.

Across industry, the rising demand for tight tolerance, precision parts and components has increased the popularity of precision grinding as a finishing process. Some of the most popular uses for precision grinding include the production of:

• Aerospace and scientific instruments
• Bladed implements
• Electronic components
• Medical devices and smart medical tools

With over 180 years of combined experience in precision grinding, the expert team at Centerless Technology, Inc., has the skills and knowledge to produce high quality ground parts that meet or exceed client standards at a competitive price and with timely delivery.

Accuracy for Industrial Needs

Manufacturers use high precision grinding to fabricate and finish a wide variety of products ranging from intricate and complex small parts to large-scale components. Many of these products require conformity to exact specifications and standards to function and fit as intended. To meet these precision and accuracy requirements, precision grinding experts employ different grinding tools and techniques to achieve the desired size, shape, and surface texture with tight tolerances.

Precision grinding finds application in the daily needs and operations of a wide range of industries, including:

Aerospace

Aerospace parts need to perform in extreme conditions with minimal risk of failure or malfunction. Precision grinding processes such as thread grinding produce rivets and bolts that match their original designs to the last detail. Grinding also produces exact dimensions and finishes for engines, control system parts, and hydraulic or pressurized components.

Automotive

Car parts have tight tolerance demands so that all moving parts operate in tandem. The slightest protrusion or rough surface can interfere with safe operation and degrade fuel efficiency. Precision grinding the surfaces of every part ensures each component is precisely sized and reduces the amount of friction experienced.

Machining and Manufacturing

Machining and manufacturing processes transform raw materials into finished parts and products. While the machines and tools that perform these processes are built to withstand the stress of operation, from time to time, maintenance, repair, and part replacement are required. Precision grinding is used to maintain the performance of machining and manufacturing equipment, including by repairing existing tooling or producing new ones based on OEM specifications.

Newer grinding techniques, such as centerless grinding, have also impacted the manufacturing and machining industries by reducing the costs and material wastes required to achieve higher precision parts.

Medical

Medical devices and instruments, such as drills, scalpels, and dental tools, require high precision and accuracy. Precision grinding processes enable manufacturers to finish tools to exact specifications, sharpness, and finish requirements. The grinding process also produces smoother surfaces that reduce the risk of friction or infection.

Printing

The printing industry uses a variety of machinery and tools to produce the finished products, including paper rollers and blades. Precision grinding services keep blades sharp and ensure that rollers can run smoothly without bumps or rough surface interactions.

Transportation

Despite the difference in size, components used in transportation equipment and heavy machinery require the same amount of precision as those used in smaller electronics and vehicles. Precision grinding machines ensure that parts are finished to exact dimensions and kept smooth to prevent frictional damage or overheating. Typical transportation parts that are precision ground include axles, engines, hydraulic components, transmissions, and valves.