Precision Centerless Grinding vs. CNC Turning for Tapered Parts
When you need a cone-shaped or tapered part, such as a mandrel, most shops rely on a lathe to get the job done. But here at United Centerless Grinding and Thread Rolling, we know there are several advantages to bypassing the lathe and instead forming tapers using centerless grinding.
Let’s look at the differences between the two techniques and explore why precision centerless grinding is our preferred method.
5 Benefits of Precision Centerless Grinding for Tapered Parts
Here are five reasons United CGTR embraces CNC grinding over turning for tapered parts:
1. Speed
Because centerless grinding doesn’t require fixturing, both setup and turnaround are quick.
The lathe restricts machining speed and extension length due to the extreme cutting forces placed on the workpiece during turning. In contrast, centerless grinding enables faster production, in part because of its lower cutting forces.
Continuous centerless grinding is possible even for long lengths, and feeder attachments allow automatic grinding for small parts. And because CNC centerless grinders are capable of consistent, high-speed grinding, the process is ideal for high-volume applications.
CNC grinding produces tapered parts up to 3x faster than turning.
2. Surface finishing
United CGTR’s skilled pros use precision centerless grinding to produce a machined-like surface that CNC turning can’t match. Even metals that are essentially impossible to turn with a lathe can be successfully shaped with grinding wheels.
Whereas CNC turning produces burrs and chips that hinder automation and damage the part’s surface, centerless grinding delivers a clean, smooth surface, eliminating the need for additional finishing services.
3. Dimensions
Conventional wisdom calls out the lathe as a shop’s best bet for producing small parts. You may be surprised to learn that United CGTR successfully makes even small parts with our CNC centerless grinder.
From 16” long parts with a full-length taper to 2” long parts with a mere 1” taper, we leverage centerless grinding for a wide range of dimensions.
4. Repeatability
Because grinding wheels wear slower than the cutting tools used for turning, CNC grinding offers excellent repeatability.
At United CGTR, we have the capability to custom-create form tooling for our centerless grinding equipment.
For specialized forms such as tapers, we often use form grinding and crush grinding methods to craft tools that ensure exacting precision and high repeatability. We customize each tool to the job, choosing the tool material according to the workpiece material’s thickness, size, shape, and coating.
5. Precision
Many manufacturers aren’t aware that centerless grinding can achieve exceptionally tight tolerances. For example, if you need small, cylindrical parts with tight tolerances, a centerless grinding service is the answer. Or if turning has distorted a taper’s roundness, centerless grinding can correct the taper’s shape quickly and accurately.
Even long, tapered parts made from hard-to-machine materials can be ground thanks to the lack of axial thrust on the workpiece.
Get Precise Tapers with Precision Centerless Grinding at United CGTR
If you’ve been looking for a centerless grinding shop to produce your complex aerospace, medical, or armament parts, contact United CGTR. We have more than 60 years of experience in precision centerless technology, guaranteeing that your small, round-diameter, tapered parts are precise—and precisely what you need.
