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CNC Surface Grinding

  • Parts In As Soon As 5-Days
  • 3 & 5-Axis Milling & Turning
    Plastics, Composites, Metals
  • Wide Variety of Materials,
    Finishing Options & Scalability
Quotes for 25+ Manufacturing Processes.
Comprehensive
CNC Machining Services
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High-Complexity,
Precision Cutting
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Superior
Fathom-Quality Parts
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Plastic & Metal
CNC Machining
CNC Surface Grinding

Our CNC Surface Grinding services can be used to grind down a surface to fit a specific size or finish. We use the latest in CNC grinding machines in order to precisely size or finish any piece. We can even grind high tolerance parts to a mirror like surface finish while still meeting the projects strict product standards (Flatness, Parallelism & Squareness).

CNC surface grinding removes small amounts of material by using a high-speed abrasive wheel as the cutting tool. The grinding wheel rotates in place, while the workpiece, attached to the machine table, moves in the X-, Y-, and Z-axis. Depending on the part size, the grinding wheel will likely take multiple passes to achieve the desired dimensions.

CNC Surface Grinding Applications / /

CNC Surface grinding is used in many different industries. Materials can be ground down to an exact size to snugly fit into the finished product, as is often seen in the automotive and aerospace industries. Another common use of CNC grinding is die sharpening, as it removes only the necessary material to produce a sharp edge, which is often needed in the medical field.

  • Aerospace
  • Medical
  • Automotive
  • Energy
  • Firearms
  • Commercial

Why Choose CNC Surface Grinding / /

There are a number of different reasons why you might want to use a CNC surface grinder to finish your projects:

  • Precision Finish
  • Set Multiple Variables at Once
  • Variable Wheel Speed
  • Grind Entire Run Identically
  • Error-Free Grinding
  • High-Tolerance Surface Grinding

CNC Machining Quote Times / /

Do you need a CNC quote? Are you read to learn about another manufacturing service offered by Fathom? Receive a quote in as little as 1 hour by using Fathom’s SmartQuote online platform. Fathom’s CNC lead times are as follows:

  • Parts in as Soon As 5-Days

Why You Should Leverage a CNC Machine / /

CNC manufacturing can be used for both prototypes and production runs. CNC machines are programmable, which allows them to run autonomously. A variety of materials can be used with CNC machining to produce parts quickly and efficiently. Fathom utilizes various state-of-the-art CNC machines to ensure we meet your needs for high-quality parts.

CNC Machining Services Offered by Fathom / /

Fathom uses CNC machining for both plastic and metal. Our experienced CNC programmers and machinists use the latest software programming and high-speed CNC machinery to meet our customers’ specifications. Fathom can produce complex parts from 3D CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data and uses CNC machines to create precise details.

Fathom offers 28 manufacturing processes, including CNC machining.

Additive Manufacturing

  • FDM
  • SLS
  • SLA
  • Polyjet
  • MJF
  • DMLS
  • DLS
  • STEP (Evolve)

CNC Machining

  • CNC (3 & 5 Axis)
  • CNC Lathe
  • Precision Grinding
  • Wire & Sinker EDM

Injection Molding

  • Injection Molding
  • Tooling
  • Compression Molding

Metal Cutting and Forming

  • Thermoforming
  • Sheet Metal Punching
  • Sheet Metal Cutting
  • Metal Forming
  • Laser Cutting
  • Water Jet Cutting
  • Chemical Etching
  • Welding
  • Micro Cutting

Standalone

  • Die Casting
  • Urethane Casting
  • Composite Layups
  • Extrusion
  • Post Processing & Finishing
    • Pad Printing
    • Powder Coating
    • Bead Blasting
    • Surface Grinding
    • Polishing
    • Anodize
    • Powder Coat Passivate
    • Chemfilm
    • Vacuum Metallization
    • Silkscreen
    • Plating
    • Tumbled

CNC Machines Used by Fathom / /

Fathom’s manufacturing network employs over 530 machines, including mills, lathes, presses, press brakes, turret punches and additive systems. Fathom’s services include hybridized services that leverage CNC machining and other manufacturing processes. Do you need CNC machining as part of a more complex project? Fathom can handle it. A recent case study is listed below where Fathom delivered 20,000 parts in 27 days using 55+ tools, including CNC machining services:

Case Study //

Real Customers. Real Results.

A customer came to Fathom with a complex project that spanned the technologies and processes of rapid production—and needed it done fast. Fathom delivered.

20,000 Parts // Within 27 Days
55+ Tools to Injection Mold 15,000 Parts First Article in 2 Weeks
15,000

55+ Tools to Injection
Mold 15,000 Parts

First Article in 2 Weeks

3,000+ 3D Printed Parts
3,000

3,000+ 3D
Printed Parts

2,000+ Metal Fabricated Parts
2,000

2,000+ Metal
Fabricated Parts

Hybridized Services Used //

3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing—PolyJet, SLS, MJF.

DFM Analysis + CAD Mods.

CNC Machining. Laser Cutting.

Stamping. Die Cutting. Post-Opp Drilling.

24-hour Turnaround Urethane Casting.

Injection + Compression Molding.

Model Finishing. Insert Assembly.

Advanced Project Management.

Fathom has over 163 CNC machines, including:
  • 85 CNC vertical mills ranging from 3-axis vertical mills, 4-axis vertical mills and 5-axis vertical mills. These capabilities include 8+ high-precision 5-axis CNC vertical mills.
  • 8 CNC horizontal mills ranging from 3-axis horizontal mills to 4-axis horizontal mills.
  • 7 CNC multi-axis mills ranging from 4-axis multi-axis mills and 5-axis multi-axis mills. These capabilities include 5+ high-precision 5-axis CNC multi-axis mills.
  • 40 CNC lathes both 2-axis and 3-axis for CNC turned parts.
  • 23 Swiss screw machines for high-precision CNC turning for CNC screws, including medical-grade screws.

Fathom’s Locations for 5 Axis CNC Machining / /

Fathom has 6 US-based locations that offer 5-axis CNC machining, offering nationwide coverage to the entire United States. Fathom’s advanced prototyping and manufacturing services include wire EDM, CNC machining, chemical etching, metal 3D printing, and more. We have provided over 200,000 quotes to leading U.S. companies and are ready to provide you with a quote today.

CNC locations include:

HEADQUARTERS
1050 Walnut Ridge Drive
Hartland, WI 53029
ISO 9001:2015
AS9100:2016
ITAR

ARIZONA
444 W. 21st St. Ste. 101
Tempe, AZ 85282
ISO 9001:2015
NIST 800-171 Compliant
ITAR

CALIFORNIA
620 3rd Street
Oakland, CA 94607
ISO 9001:2015 Design Certified
NIST 800-171 Compliant
ITAR

ILLINOIS
1207 Adams Drive
McHenry, IL 60051

TEXAS
1801 Rowe Lane
Pflugerville, TX 78660
ISO 9001:2015
AS9100:2016

1513 Sam Bass Rd
Round Rock, TX 78681
ISO 9001:2015
ISO 13485:2016

CNC Machining Specifications and Tolerances / /

Specifications and tolerances may affect the overall cost of your CNC machining project. CNC machining has a tolerance of +/- 0.008” when working with plastic and +/- 0.005” for metal. As tolerances become tighter, cost is affected as the amount of scrap material increases and special tools are required. Additionally, longer cycle times may be needed to achieve accuracy. To reduce costs, only use tighter tolerances where necessary.

METALS OPTIMAL QUANTITY TOLERANCES (+/-) ADVANTAGES & CONSIDERATIONS FINISH & APPEARANCE
Stainless Steel 1-1000 +/- 0.005″
  • High Strength
  • High Corrosion Resistance
  • High Weldability
  • Standard Machined Finish
  • Tumbled
  • Bead Blasted (Sand or Glass)
  • Polished
Low Carbon Steel 1-1000 +/- 0.005″
  • Common Steel
  • High Machinability & Weldability
  • Can Be Hardened
  • Not Corrosion Resistant
Aluminum 1-1000 +/- 0.005″
  • High Strength, Low Weight
  • High Machinability
  • Low Cost
Brass 1-1000 +/- 0.005″
  • Corrosion & Chemical Resistant
  • High Density & Strength
  • Non-Conductive
PLASTICS OPTIMAL QUANTITY TOLERANCES (+/-) ADVANTAGES & CONSIDERATIONS FINISH & APPEARANCE
HDPE 1-100 +/- 0.008″
  • Medium Impact Strength
  • Flexible (Shore D70)
  • FDA Compliant
  • No Water Absorption
  • Standard Machined Finish
  • Tumbled
  • Flame or Vapor Polished (Acrylic Only)
PC 1-100 +/- 0.008″
  • Medium Tensile & High Impact Strength
  • Maintains Properties Over Range of Temperatures
  • High Optical Clarity (Clear)
ABS 1-100 +/- 0.008″
  • Medium Tensile & High Impact Strength
  • Electrical Insulator
  • High Machinability
  • Low Cost
Acrylic 1-100 +/- 0.008″
  • High Tensile Strength
  • Can Be Polished for High Optical Clarity
Nylon 6/6 1-100 +/- 0.008″
  • High Tensile & Medium Impact Strength
  • Maintains Properties Over Range of Temperatures
Acetal (Delrin®) 1-100 +/- 0.008″
  • Medium Tensile & Medium Impact Strength
  • Holds Machining Tolerances Well
  • Good Wear & Fatigue Resistance
ULTEM® 1-100 +/- 0.008″
  • High Tensile Strength
  • High Working Temperature Range (335°F)
  • Electrical Insulator
  • High Optical Clarity (Clear)

CNC Machining Materials List / /

Fathom works with a variety of metal and plastic materials for CNC machining, including stainless steel aluminum, ABS, Nylon, and Acrylic. If a material is not in stock, it can be requested. Talk to a Fathom expert today to find the best material for your job.

METALS

  • Stainless Steel
  • Low Carbon Steel
  • Aluminum
  • Brass

PLASTICS

  • HDPE
  • PC
  • ABS
  • Acrylic
  • Nylon 6/6
  • Acetal (Delrin®)
  • ULTEM®

CNC Surface Grinding FAQs / /

Q: Does Fathom offer CNC surface grinding?

A: Yes, Fathom offers CNC surface grinding.

Q: What is CNC surface grinding?

A: CNC surface grinding uses an abrasive wheel to remove small amounts of material.

Q: Is Fathom ISO certified?

A: Fathom’s certifications include ISO 9001:2015, ISO 9001:2015 Design, and ISO 13485:2016. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.

Q: Is Fathom ITAR certified?

A: Yes, Fathom is ITAR certified. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.

Q: Is Fathom AS9100:2016 certified?

A: Yes, Fathom is AS9100:2016. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.

Q: Is Fathom NIST 800-171 certified?

A: Yes, Fathom’s certifications include NIST 800-171. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.

Q: What is grinding surface finish?

A: Grinding surface finish uses a wheel with abrasive to cut a workpiece.

Q: How do you surface grind?

A: During surface grinding, a grinding wheel is spun at high speed to cut away material.

Q: What are the different types of grinding?

A: The basic types of surface grinders include vertical-spindle, horizontal-spindle, and single disc grinders.

How to Get Wire EDM Quotes / /

Ready to get started on your CNC project? Get a quote fast.

Across National
Time Zones

Precision manufacturing
from coast to coast.

HEADQUARTERS //
1050 Walnut Ridge Drive
Hartland, WI 53029
877-FATHOM-8

ARIZONA
444 W. 21st St. Ste. 101
Tempe, AZ 85282
480-966-2300

CALIFORNIA
46758 Lakeview Blvd
Fremont, CA 94538

COLORADO
7770 Washington St.
Denver, CO 80229
303-288-6855

FLORIDA
14000 N.W. 58th Court
Miami Lakes, FL 33014
305-889-3280

ILLINOIS
1207 Adams Drive
McHenry, IL 60051
815-385-7500

1401 Brummel Ave
Elk Grove, IL 60007
847-952-8088

MINNESOTA
13758 Johnson Street NE
Ham Lake, MN 55304
763-755-7575

NEW YORK
1920 Slaterville Rd.
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-277-7070

401 W. Shore Blvd.
Newark, NY 14513
315-331-7680

TEXAS
1513 Sam Bass Rd.
Round Rock, TX 78660
512-255-1477

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