There are many types of operations offered by precision grinding services. Some of these include centerless, creep, surface, form, internal and external grinding. Many industries like aerospace and medical utilize these services when high precision parts or close tolerance requirements are necessary.

Precision grinding is a process that uses special machinery, abrasives and wheels to remove material from components. Precision grinding can smooth and shape external and internal component features. Different precision grinding job shops offer different capabilities and services. For instance, some companies specialize in grinding services for exotic materials or special alloyed steels, while others provide additional services such as rapid prototyping, high or low-volume production. Precision grinding is also available for non-metal materials. Precision grinding services follow certain requirements and ISO specification standards that can be industry-specific.

When you require precision grinding services or precision grinding equipment for your company, there are options you should review that include:

1. Determine the type of precision grinding services you require to meet specific application requirements.

2. Look for a precision grinding service provider that meets quality standards for your specific industry.

3. Buy precision grinding machinery and accessories or find repair services to maintain high productivity.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Select the right type of precision grinding services for your business

For some applications, you may need a specific type of grinding operation (jig, cylindrical, double-disc, contour, etc.). Likewise, you could also be searching for services that include rapid prototyping. To meet these exacting specifications, it is important to find the right grinding services specialist that has the capabilities to efficiently handle multiple operation job and can meet all your business needs.

I recommend: Philadelphia Carbide is a manufacturer that specializes in precision ground part in materials that include tungsten carbide and ceramics. Grinding operations available include surface and centerless and many other additional services (quality assurance, material certification, prototyping). Minnesota Grinding offers many grinding operation options and M&S Centerless Grinding provides centerless, cylindrical od/id grinding services in different materials.

Choose a precision grinding service provider that serves your industry needs

There are many grinding services that serve specific industries. These must meet certain requirements, regulations and ISO standards. For instance, some companies that serve the Defense industry adhere to military specifications, while other meet (OEM) requirements or register with the FDA. Select the right provider that has the experience and meets your industry standards.

I recommend: Western Grinding Services and Barile Precision Grinding provide service to diverse industries and offer many capabilities and grinding services. TCI Precision Metals is another provider of grinding services with many additional services and material capabilities that serves a variety of industries. These providers are ISO 9001:2000 certified.

Find precision grinding equipment, accessories and repair services

For companies or businesses that provide precision grinding services, quality service and on-time delivery are important to meet customer demands. Equipment breakdown means a slow down in production. The equipment may need repair and if it can't happen, getting new machinery or upgrades with modern technology may be necessary. In addition, keeping tools and accessories on hand for minor repairs is also a good idea to avoid any operation downtime.

I recommend: Arter Precision Grinding Machines and Equipment Acquisition Resources are suppliers of grinding machines. At Equipment Acquisition Resources, there are machines available from different manufacturers. Georgia Grinding Wheel is a supplier of grinding wheels, abrasives and specialty items. GTI Spindle Technology provides repair services for grinding spindles and upgrades.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  One grinding operation offered by some precision grinding services is creep-feed grinding. It is a process wherein a grinding wheel plunges into an item or part and produces a finished work piece in one pass. This process can be for super alloy components.