Grinding

Highest surface quality and tightest tolerances

Grinding is the final step for parts that demand the highest standards of dimensional accuracy and surface finish. Where turning or milling brings parts close to specification, grinding delivers the precision and quality that separates a good component from an exceptional one.

Grinding Services

We offer both cylindrical and surface grinding to meet the full range of precision requirements:

Cylindrical Grinding

Precision grinding of round parts, shafts, and cylindrical surfaces. Achieves tight diameter tolerances and excellent surface finish on components that require precision fit and function.

Surface Grinding

Flat surface grinding for plates, housings, and components requiring smooth, flat reference surfaces. Ideal for components that need to mate perfectly with other parts.

Grinding Capabilities

Atlas MBD's grinding equipment can deliver:

  • Surface finish Ra 0.1 to Ra 0.8 micrometres
  • Tolerances IT5 and IT6, IT4 on critical applications
  • Dimensional repeatability across batch production
  • Precision grinding of hardened materials
  • Grinding of heat-treated components
  • Cylindrical, flat, and contoured surfaces

Grinding is a controlled, precise process. Each part is carefully set up and inspected to ensure dimensional accuracy and surface quality meet specification.

When Grinding is Specified

Grinding is typically required for:

  • Bearing surfaces requiring tight fit tolerance
  • Seal surfaces for hydraulic or pneumatic systems
  • Components with IT5 or tighter tolerance requirements
  • Parts requiring Ra 0.4 micrometres surface finish or better
  • Hardened or heat-treated parts needing precision finishing
  • Components that mate with other precision parts
  • Medical or aerospace applications demanding consistency
  • Series production requiring dimensional repeatability

Materials

We grind:

  • All steel grades including hardened tool steel
  • Stainless steel and corrosion-resistant alloys
  • Aluminium and light alloys
  • Brass, copper, and other non-ferrous materials
  • Titanium and specialised alloys

Grinding as Part of the Manufacturing Flow

Because Atlas MBD carries out turning, milling, grinding, heat treatment, and other processes in-house, we optimise the entire manufacturing sequence. Parts flow directly from one process to the next. Heat-treated components are ground while the facility is in the same location. Complex parts are turned, milled, and ground by one team. This integration ensures quality, speed, and cost efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What surface roughness can you achieve with grinding?
We achieve surface finishes from Ra 0.8 micrometres down to Ra 0.1 micrometres on precision grinding. The achievable roughness depends on the material, grinding wheel selection, and final application requirements. Most industrial applications are satisfied with Ra 0.4 to Ra 0.8 micrometres.
What tolerance grades can be achieved through grinding?
Grinding allows us to achieve IT5 and IT6 tolerances, and in some cases IT4 on critical dimensions. Combined with the dimensional accuracy of turning or milling, grinding brings parts to the tightest specification ranges required by precision industries.
When should I specify grinding for my parts?
Specify grinding when your parts require very tight tolerances (IT5 or better), excellent surface finish (Ra 0.8 micrometres or better), or when the application demands dimensional stability and repeatability. Typical applications include bearing seats, seal surfaces, and hydraulic components.
Can you grind hardened steel?
Yes, we can grind hardened steel and other hard materials. In fact, grinding is often the most efficient method to achieve tight tolerances on hardened components. This is particularly common after heat treatment operations.
What materials can you grind?
We can grind steel, stainless steel, aluminium alloys, brass, and other metals. Different materials require different grinding wheel specifications and techniques. We select the appropriate method for each material to ensure quality and efficiency.