Centerless Grinding

Centerless grinding has been a core of our business for over 60 years. Precision centerless grinding is a tough skill to master, but our team has developed proven processes that allow them to excel. We have a dedicated and experienced group of supervisors and mentors that empower their team members to strive to improve results every day. Our people make the difference.

Bar Grinding

By definition, centerless grinding is production cylindrical work in which centers are replaced by a work-supporting member and two abrasive wheels one of which grinds work while the other regulates the speed of its rotation.

Benefits

Higher quality surface finishes and precise OD tolerances for entire bar length resulting in a superior finished product.

Applications/Options

Pump Shafting, Boat Shafting, Bearing Quality, TG&P, Screw/Swiss Machine

Pump Shaft Quality (PSQ) indicates turned, ground and polished (TG&P) shafting used in the rotating industries. The tight diametrical tolerance achieved through grinding decreases wear and gives a more constant product with controlled properties. This product is also straightened to give minimal vibration throughout the length of the shaft. Straightness .005 TIR (total indicator run-out) in 3.5ft plus – .0015” TIR for each foot over. The industry standard finish for PSQ material is 32 rms (root mean square), better finishes are available.

Boat shaft quality (BSQ) bars are a specialized type of precision shaft. Most commonly used in the marine and naval industries, BSQ bars are specially formulated and carefully treated to meet demanding performance requirements in challenging conditions. The best BSQ bars on the market maintain their reliability and consistency in a full range of environments. Tolerance Table.

Bearing Quality Bar is used for support and guidance of a rotating, oscillating, or sliding shaft, pivot, or wheel. Bearings are made with exact size ID dimensions. Bearing Shafts are ground to a .001”-.003” tolerance under the dimension to give a slip fit. The shaft also has a 32RMS surface finish, better is available. This finish allows for a more round bar and smooth finish, which helps the life of the shaft.

Capabilities

Materials: Metals (including Copper, Brass, Nickel, Titanium, Carbon, Stainless Steel, Alloys) and Plastics

OD: .0625” to 12.0000”

Lengths: 12 inches to 50 feet

Tolerance: .0002 and greater*

Surface Finish: 8 and greater micro surface finish*

Quantities: Single bar to truckload

*Specific tolerance would be based on incoming material size and condition.

Thru-feed Grinding and In-feed Grinding

In thru-feed centerless grinding, the workpiece is fed through the grinding wheels completely, entering on one side and exiting on the opposite. The regulating wheel in thru-feed grinding is angled away from the plane of the grinding wheel in such a way as to provide a lateral force component, feeding the workpiece between the two wheels.

In-feed centerless grinding is used to grind workpieces with relatively complex shapes, such as a shoulder bolt.

It is typically faster and more economical than multi-step grinding processes.

Benefits

Higher quality surface finishes and precise OD tolerances for entire bar length resulting in a superior finished product. Grinding after heat treating eliminates distortion resulting in a higher quality finished part.

Capabilities

Materials: Metals (including Copper, Brass, Nickel, Titanium, Carbon, Stainless Steel, Alloys) and Plastics

OD: .0625” to 5.7500”

Lengths: Up to 45”

Tolerance: .0002 and greater*

Surface Finish: 8 and greater micro surface finish*

Quantities: Single piece to production quantities

*Specific tolerance would be based on incoming material size and condition.

+Specific OD and length combinations would need to be quoted.

Grinding Equipment

24 Centerless Grinders

  • 5 – #2
  • 5 – #3
  • 14 – Twin Grips

Ready to get started?

We offer a variety of precision grinding services. Our team can guide you to the option that will provide the exactness and quality you need. Put our expertise to work for you.

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