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 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.
There are a number of different reasons why you might want to use a CNC surface grinder to finish your projects:
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:
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.
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.
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:
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.
55+ Tools to Injection
Mold 15,000 Parts
First Article in 2 Weeks
3,000+ 3D
Printed Parts
2,000+ Metal
Fabricated Parts
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 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
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 |
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| Stainless Steel | 1-1000 | +/- 0.005″ |
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| Low Carbon Steel | 1-1000 | +/- 0.005″ |
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| Aluminum | 1-1000 | +/- 0.005″ |
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| Brass | 1-1000 | +/- 0.005″ |
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| PLASTICS | OPTIMAL QUANTITY | TOLERANCES (+/-) | ADVANTAGES & CONSIDERATIONS | FINISH & APPEARANCE |
| HDPE | 1-100 | +/- 0.008″ |
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| PC | 1-100 | +/- 0.008″ |
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| ABS | 1-100 | +/- 0.008″ |
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| Acrylic | 1-100 | +/- 0.008″ |
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| Nylon 6/6 | 1-100 | +/- 0.008″ |
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| Acetal (Delrin®) | 1-100 | +/- 0.008″ |
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| ULTEM® | 1-100 | +/- 0.008″ |
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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.
A: Yes, Fathom offers CNC surface grinding.
A: CNC surface grinding uses an abrasive wheel to remove small amounts of material.
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.
A: Yes, Fathom is ITAR certified. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.
A: Yes, Fathom is AS9100:2016. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.
A: Yes, Fathom’s certifications include NIST 800-171. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.
A: Grinding surface finish uses a wheel with abrasive to cut a workpiece.
A: During surface grinding, a grinding wheel is spun at high speed to cut away material.
A: The basic types of surface grinders include vertical-spindle, horizontal-spindle, and single disc grinders.
Ready to get started on your CNC project? Use Fathom’s SmartQuote platform to calculate costs. Submit your file today and receive a quote in as soon as 1 hour.
