Centerless grinding is an essential component of many machining projects, but unless you’ve worked in a machine shop before, you likely don’t know much about it. Unlike centered grinding, which requires the use of spindles and fixtures to keep a workpiece secure, this process involves securing the workpiece between grinding wheels for maximum efficiency. So, why might someone choose this method over another for a job?

To understand the key benefits of centerless grinding, keeps these points in mind:

• It’s Fast: Unlike some of the other tools you might find in a machine shop, centerless grinders actually have very few moving parts. Instead, they rely mostly on physics to function. Thus, they’re very fast tools that are ideal for projects which require consistent, constant production of small parts. Projects involving the manufacturing of items for the military or automobile companies generally involve some degree of centerless grinding, as these types of jobs require the ability to work fast.
• It Creates Rounded Objects: The primary reasons to employ the centerless grinding technique is simple: it’s one of the best ways to create smooth, round objects. Often, machinists use a centerless grinder to smooth out an item or piece that became less round during the manufacturing process.
• The Machinist Is Important: By focusing on the machinery itself, it’s possible to forget that the machinist still plays an essential role in the process. To get the results you want from centerless grinding, the wheels must touch the part at the ideal angle. Improper angles result in parts that aren’t as smooth as they’re supposed to be—the machinist needs to monitor the process to ensure that the angle is correct.

If you have a manufacturing project in which you’ll need to produce a large volume of small items in a short period of time, get in touch with a crew that offers centerless grinding. They’ll let you know whether it’s right for your needs.