External Grinding
External grinding covers finishing the outside surfaces of round or profiled parts, including diameters, tapers, shoulders and forms, to precise size and finish. It includes cylindrical, centerless and form grinding, chosen according to the part geometry and volume.
What it is
Any grinding of an outside surface is external grinding. For stepped shafts, cylindrical grinding between centres is typical; for plain pins and bar, centerless grinding; for special profiles such as radii or grooves, a dressed form wheel is plunged in.
The aim is the same in each case: bring the surface to its final size, geometry and finish after turning and, usually, heat treatment.
Typical applications
- Shafts, spindles and pins
- Tapers and form profiles
- Rollers and cams
- Punches and tool components
- Plated rods finished to size
Suitable materials
- Hardened and case-hardened steels
- Alloy and tool steels
- Stainless steel
- Cast iron
- Hard chrome plated surfaces
Points to consider
- Pick the method by geometry: stepped parts on centres, plain parts centerless, profiles by form grinding.
- Give runout and roundness requirements where they matter.
- Allow undercuts or relief at shoulders.
- Leave grinding stock on hardened parts.
Frequently asked questions
What is external grinding?
Grinding any outside surface of a part, such as diameters, tapers or profiles, to precise size and finish.
Which external grinding method will my part use?
It depends on shape and quantity: shouldered parts on cylindrical grinders, plain round parts centerless, special profiles by form grinding.
Can profiles like radii be ground?
Yes. A wheel dressed to the required profile is plunged in to grind radii, grooves and other forms.