Achieving Spherical Radii with a Precision Centerless Grinding Wheel
When your parts require spherical radii, the team at United Centerless Grinding & Thread Rolling delivers. As a precision grinding company, we’re uniquely equipped to form spherical surfaces with impressively brief lead times by leveraging the grinding wheel instead of a CNC lathe or turning center.
Learn how we grind spherical radii in mere seconds per part, achieving smooth surface finishes and completing as many as 10,000+ pieces per week.
Industries and Applications
Our spherical radius grinding is most in demand by the commercial and aerospace sectors. The precision and quality we achieve are particularly essential for parts like shafts used in pumps and various machinery, where accuracy and surface finish are paramount. Whatever industry or application we’re serving, our techniques ensure precision and efficiency.
Precision Centerless Grinding for Spherical Radii
Many shops shy away from the challenge of creating a spherical radius using centerless grinding. However, our precision centerless grinding department has mastered the art of transferring the desired radius profile onto a grinding wheel, which, in turn, shapes the spherical requirement of the part.
Cutting the blank
We begin in our Swiss machining department, where we craft a blank from bar stock before meticulously forming the spherical radii in our centerless grinding department.
Dressing the wheel
To form spherical radii with a grinding wheel, we must first dress the wheel with the correct radius—the most challenging step in the process. We use one of two main tools for this step: a ball diamond or a radius fixture. Each has its unique application and advantages, depending on the size of the specified radius.
Dressing a grinding wheel with a ball diamond. A ball diamond, equal to the desired radius size, is ideal for smaller radii up to ⅛”. In this method, we insert the ball diamond into our standard centerless grinding dresser and directly transfer the form onto the wheel. We then use the wheel to grind the spherical radius.
Dressing a grinding wheel with a radius fixture. For radii larger than ⅛”, we turn to the radius fixture. This method involves a standard diamond, which we place into a rotary fixture on the machine's work rest. Precisely locating the fixture's center point is crucial for achieving the desired spherical radius on the wheel—a testament to our team's expertise and attention to detail.
Grinding and finishing
Our precision centerless grinding approach not only allows us to create precise spherical radii but also ensures excellent surface finishes. Unlike turning, which results in a comparatively rough surface finish, grinding achieves a smoother finish in a fraction of the time.
For instance, creating a firing pin with a spherical radius on a lathe could take several minutes per piece. But our grinding process completes the job in mere seconds, dramatically increasing productivity and enabling sky-high production volumes—without sky-high costs.
United CGTR's Commitment to Innovation and Precision
Our ability to master complex, intricate processes exemplifies our precision grinding company’s commitment to innovation, precision, and efficiency in manufacturing. We're proud to offer our customers advanced techniques with reduced lead times and superior quality. Grinding spherical radii is just one example of our dedication to excellence and innovation.
At United CGTR, we continuously strive to push the boundaries of what's possible in manufacturing, ensuring we not only meet your evolving needs but also exceed your expectations.
