Centerless Grinding & O.D. Grinding for Metal
Centerless grinding and outer diameter grinding are effective methods of surface grinding for round or cylindrical parts and for grinding non-round parts to achieve better roundness. Centerless grinding is ideal for producing cylindrical parts with consistent diameters, while O.D. grinding is the method of choice for projects that require precise tolerances. Petersen Precision is an expert at both centerless and O.D. grinding and can use both processes to finish parts and to prep materials for further machining and/or finishing.
Both grinding methods can be used to achieve very round parts with uniform finishes around their entire outer surface. Outside diameters can be finished to ±0.000050”, depending on the process and the material being worked. To ensure optimal quality and efficiency for even the highest production runs, all fixtures and tooling used in our surface grinding processes are designed and fabricated in-house.
Contact us for more information regarding our centerless/O.D. grinding capabilities or call us at (650) 365-4373, and we will gladly discuss your project’s requirements. Petersen Precision is your trusted source for reliable, high quality CNC grinding services.
Centerless & O.D. Grinding for Round Parts Production
Centerless Grinding Service
In centerless grinding, no spindle or fixture is used to hold the workpiece; instead, the workpiece is secured between one stationary wheel and one moveable wheel. The workpiece is fed between the wheels from end-to-end to grind the entire length.
With our centerless grinding capabilities, we can maintain a tight outside diameter with an excellent surface finish. However, by its nature, centerless grinding does not control the centrality of the axis from the beginning to the end of the part; instead, the workpiece is allowed to “float” so that the O.D. can be tightly and uniformly controlled. Centerless grinding produces a naturally round diameter that is often ground to less than 50 µ-inches or better. Through feed centerless grinding can be applied to work pieces of .050 to 2.0” in diameter and lengths of up to 12 ft.
O.D. Grinding Service
In O.D. (outer diameter) grinding, the workpiece is supported by a center feature or a chuck, and the grinding wheel is maneuvered into contact with the part to grind its outer surface. The workpiece is allowed to rotate, with the grinding wheel rotating in the same direction. The two surfaces are therefore moving in opposite directions when they contact each other, which provides smoother operation with less chance of chatter.
The O.D. grinding process can also be used for plunge grinding, in which the workpiece is held in place and the grinding wheel is moved to contact the part. With plunge grinding, the whole part can be processed, or specific sections of the part can be ground separately (such as a bearing journal). Specialty grinding wheels can be utilized to contact multiple points on the workpiece simultaneously, or to produce different finishes on different sections. Plunge grinding is often a quicker way to work with parts being held on centers.
What are the Advantages of Centerless Grinding & O.D. Grinding?
Both centerless grinding and O.D. grinding involve removing the external surface of cylindrical workpieces to achieve precise surface finishes. Additional benefits of these processes include:
- Accuracy & Precision
- Consistency
- Efficiency
- Tolerance Control
- Flexibility & Versatility
- Cost-effective
- High Volume Production
Materials Used in Centerless & O.D. Grinding
The materials you use will depend on the requirements of your application, such as strength, durability, corrosion resistance, and thermal conductivity. Different materials may also require different types of wheels and coolant fluids to achieve the desired results. We have extensive experience grinding with a variety of ferrous and non-ferrous metals/alloys. Both centerless grinding and O.D. grinding are compatible with hard-to-machine materials, such as:
- Stainless Steel
- Tool Steel
- Carbon Steel
- Nickel Alloys
- Aluminum
- Brass
- Bronze
- And more
Centerless Grinding & O.D. Grinding for Industrial Applications
From turbine blades and engine components to surgical tools and implants, the versatility and flexibility of these grinding processes make them an ideal choice for a range of industries, including:
- Medical Devices
- Aerospace & Defense
- Electronics
- Tool & Hardware Components
- Scientific Instruments
What is the Difference Between I.D. Grinding & O.D. Grinding?
O.D. grinding and I.D. grinding are two common types of cylindrical grinding processes used in metalworking, however they are used to achieve different results. O.D. grinders work on the outside of a cylindrical object as it is rotated between centers. With I.D. grinding, small amounts of material are removed from a cylindrical part’s inner surface. The choice between O.D. and I.D grinding will depend on the specific requirements of your applications, such as workpiece size, shape, material, tolerance, and desired surface finish.
Centerless Grinding & O.D. Grinding Experts
Here at Petersen Precision, we have a wide range of advanced grinding technology at our disposal to deliver optimal results per your specifications. Our skilled team of technicians can help you determine which options are best suited for your material and surface finish requirements, and can adjust our processes to mee the unique needs of your project. Check out some of these centerless/O.D. products in our gallery.
We offer an array of precision metal grinding services, including creed feed form grinding, Blanchard grinding, and precision surface grinding. If you’re unsure which method is right for your project, simply request a free quote, and our team of Design for Manufacturing experts will assist you in making the best decision.
Contact Petersen Precision for Centerless & O.D. Grinding Services
Petersen Precision are experts at Blanchard grinding and other precision grinding processes. We have a finishing solution for high-quality parts that are ready to use or install upon delivery for your project. Contact us today to learn more about our value-added services for your specialized application or request a free quote to begin working with our team of experts.