Grinding is one of the oldest and most precise machining services. However, it’s also considered the most “craftsman-like” of all the processes, requiring highly skilled operators with many years of practice. Because RS Precision’s roots were in the Tool and Die industry, we have extensive experience in Form and Surface Grinding. We’ve successfully transitioned grinding to the 21st century by incorporating CNC surface grinding machines that are capable of dressing complex forms on the grinding wheel and executing sequences of operations using those wheels on precision parts, fixtures, and for producing precision Sinker EDM electrodes. Our CNC grinding integrates seamlessly with other machining processes for higher precision and efficiency.
Typical applications include achieving high-precision features with strict dimensional, geometric, and surface quality requirements, as well as producing very tight tolerance sinker EDM electrodes both quickly and cost-effectively. These applications often benefit from our advanced CNC surface grinding capabilities, especially where form, finish, and consistency are required across multiple features.
We also perform highly specialized, small cylindrical grinding operations with close-tolerance specs, ultra-smooth finishes, and challenging geometries that are difficult to produce on conventional cylindrical grinders, even if they too are CNC. These tasks highlight the advantages of our CNC grinding services.
It is unusual for a typical machine shop to have more than one or two surface grinders, used mainly for squaring up blanks or fixture components, or possibly to produce or sharpen special cutting tools. At RS Precision, we have a total of 12 surface grinders, including five CNC surface grinding machines. When combined with our extensive CNC Milling and Turning capabilities, as well as our CNC Sinker and Wire EDM capabilities, they create a unique facility for producing your complex parts “The Best They Can Be.”
CNC Grinding Capabilities
Our CNC surface grinding capabilities include:
- Dimensional tolerances to ±0.0001″
- Flatness down to 0.00005″ across the surface
- Surface finishes as fine as 4 microinch Ra, depending on material
- Multi-axis CNC grinders capable of complex shape generation and sequential operations
- Form dressing systems that create precise wheel profiles for repeatable contour grinding
We grind a wide variety of materials with customized abrasive selections, dressing techniques, and coolant strategies optimized for each substrate. Supported materials include:
- Tool steels (A2, D2, M2, S7, etc.)
- High-temperature alloys (Inconel, Hastelloy)
- Titanium and titanium alloys
- Stainless steels (300, 400 series, PH grades)
- Ceramics (alumina, zirconia)
- Carbides (cemented tungsten grades)
Each grinding operation is supported by consistent process controls and in-house inspection, ensuring alignment with your dimensional, geometric, and surface integrity requirements.
Industries Served
CNC grinding services at RS Precision support high-accuracy components used across multiple industries. Each part is finished to meet strict dimensional and surface finish requirements critical to performance and reliability.
- Aerospace: Components such as flight brackets, control system shims, and turbine-related fixtures often require precision CNC surface grinding to meet tight tolerances and withstand extreme conditions.
- Medical: Surgical tool inserts, orthopedic fixtures, and implant-compatible subcomponents are ground to exacting standards for use in sterile, regulated environments.
- Defense: RS Precision produces optical mounts, sight brackets, and fire control interfaces that demand flatness, squareness, and repeatable alignment critical for mission-focused systems.
- Semiconductor: Precision-ground components like fixture plates, EDM electrodes, and alignment blocks help support cleanroom tooling and microelectronics assembly.
- Scientific and Optical: Devices such as microscope components, laser assemblies, and opto-mechanical housings benefit from surface accuracy and consistent edge quality.
RS Precision delivers consistency through stable processes, expert technicians, and thorough inspection.
Quality Control
All grinding work is subject to multi-step inspection using CMMs, a Faro Arm, optical comparators, and microscopes. RS Precision is certified to AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015, with quality documentation and full traceability provided as required.
Why Work With RS Precision
Customers rely on RS Precision’s CNC grinding services for repeatability, accuracy, and dependable delivery. The in-house combination of machining, EDM, and grinding supports consistent outcomes from start to finish.
For CNC surface grinding or combined precision services, contact us today to speak with an engineer about part requirements.