CNC Centerless Grinding Molybdenum from VT machining delivers precision Molybdenum parts produced to your exact drawing. Centerless grinding supports the workpiece on a blade between wheels for high-throughput OD finishing, and we tune every parameter to the behaviour of Molybdenum, which is very high melting point and thermal stability.
CNC Centerless Grinding Capability for Molybdenum
- No center holes needed
- High throughput
- Diameter ±0.003 mm
- Through-feed & in-feed
Molybdenum Material Data
| Density | 10.22 g/cm³ |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 550–900 MPa |
| Yield strength (0.2%) | 480 MPa |
| Hardness | 200–250 HV |
| Melting point | 2623 °C |
| Thermal conductivity | 138 W/m·K |
| Thermal expansion | 4.8 ×10⁻⁶/K |
| Electrical conductivity | 34% |
| Machinability (C36000 = 100%) | 30% |
| Grades we run | Pure Mo (99.95%), TZM, Mo-La, MoCu |
Published typical values for Pure Mo / TZM. Other grades in the family differ — the certificate supplied with your order carries the actual heat-lot figures.
Below its ductile-to-brittle transition it chips rather than cuts. Sharp corners get a radius, and thin sections are wire-EDM cut instead of milled.
How CNC Centerless Grinding Molybdenum Works
An abrasive wheel removes a fine, controlled layer from the Molybdenum part. Wheel specification, dressing interval, infeed and coolant are matched to the alloy's hardness so the surface is not burned or left with residual stress.
We start from your supplied geometry and tolerance scheme. The setup is designed to minimise re-clamping, which protects positional accuracy across features. A first article is verified against the drawing before the balance of the batch is released.
Achievable Tolerances for CNC Centerless Grinding Molybdenum
| Feature | Standard | Precision |
|---|---|---|
| Size (OD, ID, thickness) | ±0.005 mm | ±0.002 mm |
| Flatness over 100 mm | 0.010 mm | 0.003 mm |
| Parallelism | 0.010 mm | 0.003 mm |
| Roundness | 0.005 mm | 0.002 mm |
| Squareness | 0.010 mm | 0.005 mm |
| Surface finish | Ra 0.4 µm | Ra 0.1 µm |
| Workpiece hardness | up to 62 HRC | up to 65 HRC |
Standard is what a normal quotation assumes. Precision is available on nominated features and is priced separately, because it needs extra setups, in-process gauging and CMM verification. Call out only the features that need it — blanket-tightening a drawing is the single most common reason a quote comes back expensive.
CNC Centerless Grinding Quality & Inspection
Quality is built in, not inspected on. We monitor key features during the run and confirm them at final inspection, with CMM verification available for tight tolerances. We provide the inspection and traceability records your quality system requires.
Design Tips for CNC Centerless Grinding Molybdenum
Small design adjustments often cut cost and lead time. Allowing adequate grind stock, specifying realistic flatness over the true datum, and relieving corners help us hit tight tolerances on Molybdenum efficiently. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
CNC Centerless Grinding Tolerances & Surface Finish
Ground Molybdenum reaches single-micron tolerances on size, flatness and parallelism, with surface finishes down to Ra 0.1–0.4 µm — and a near-mirror finish on suitable alloys.
The tightest tolerances are reserved for the features your drawing flags as critical. Share your tolerance scheme and we will confirm what is realistic before quoting.
Working with Molybdenum
Molybdenum is very high melting point and thermal stability. We translate those properties into a process plan: the right tooling, speeds, feeds and fixturing for the alloy.
Where the grade, temper or heat-treat condition matters to performance, we confirm it with you and can supply material certificates. Material is procured to recognised standards for consistent, repeatable results.
Secondary Operations & Finishing
Most Molybdenum parts need some finishing, which we manage in-house or through vetted partners. Options include deburring and edge-breaking, heat treatment, surface grinding, polishing, and plating or anodising for corrosion resistance and appearance. Give us the finished-part requirement and we will sequence every operation correctly.
Applications of CNC Centerless Grinding Molybdenum
Molybdenum parts made this way are found throughout aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics and industrial equipment. Prototype, bridge and production volumes are all welcome.
How to Order CNC Centerless Grinding Molybdenum
Starting your project takes one email. Send your CAD or 2D drawing, the Molybdenum grade and condition, the quantity and any finish or inspection requirements. We respond quickly with price, lead time and any DFM notes, in clear English.
Parts We Have Run in Molybdenum
Three representative CNC Centerless Grinding Molybdenum jobs, with the callouts that actually drove the process plan. Yours will differ — these are here so you can judge whether your part is in our range before you spend time on an RFQ.
Ceramic-coated shaft journal
- Material
- Molybdenum
- Size
- Ø45 × 180 mm
- Key callouts
- OD ±0.003 mm, roundness 0.002 mm, Ra 0.2 µm
- Batch
- 150 pcs
Ground after coating; the coating is never the final dimension.
Mould insert
- Material
- Molybdenum
- Size
- 80 × 60 × 25 mm
- Key callouts
- Flatness 0.003 mm, squareness 0.005 mm
- Batch
- 90 pcs
Surface ground on all six faces so the insert seats without shimming.
Slitter blade
- Material
- Molybdenum
- Size
- Ø150 × 1.5 mm
- Key callouts
- Thickness ±0.005 mm, edge concentricity 0.005 mm
- Batch
- 400 pcs
Ground in a stack so all blades in a set share the same thickness.
Finishing Options for Molybdenum
| Finish | Thickness / effect | Why it gets specified |
|---|---|---|
| Deburr / edge break | 0.05–0.3 mm | All parts unless the drawing says otherwise |
| Bead blast | Ra 1.6–3.2 µm | Uniform matt finish, hides tool marks |
| Laser marking | — | Part number, lot code, data matrix |
No drawing yet? Build one in the browser.
Set the metal, dimensions and features, watch the 3D model update as you type, then switch to the 2D sheet to add dimensions and tolerances. Download it or send it straight to us with your RFQ.
What We Need to Quote CNC Centerless Grinding Molybdenum
- GeometrySTEP or IGES for the 3D model, plus a PDF drawing if you have tolerance callouts. A dimensioned sketch is enough to start.
- MaterialThe exact Molybdenum grade and condition — temper, heat-treat state or hardness. If you are not sure, tell us the function and we will suggest one.
- QuantityPrototype count and the expected annual volume. Both change how the part is made and therefore what it costs.
- TolerancesWhich features are critical. Everything else runs to our standard tolerance, which is what keeps the price sensible.
- FinishSurface treatment, cosmetic requirements, and any faces that must be masked.
- DocumentsWhether you need a material certificate, dimensional report, FAIR or PPAP with the shipment.
Missing something from the list is not a problem — send what you have. We will come back with the specific questions rather than a generic form.
Other Metals for CNC Centerless Grinding
Other Processes for Molybdenum
Send the drawing, the Molybdenum grade and the quantity. You get pricing, lead time and any DFM notes back — usually within one business day.
Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
What surface finish is achievable on Molybdenum with CNC Centerless Grinding?
Grinding can take Molybdenum to a fine finish — typically Ra 0.1–0.4 µm, and to a mirror grade on suitable alloys.
What is CNC Centerless Grinding Molybdenum and how is it done?
CNC Centerless Grinding Molybdenum refers to centerless grinding supports the workpiece on a blade between wheels for high-throughput OD finishing. Applied to Molybdenum — very high melting point and thermal stability — VT machining produces each part to your CAD drawing, selecting parameters from your tolerance, finish and quantity requirements.
What tolerances can you hold for CNC Centerless Grinding Molybdenum?
Achievable tolerances for Molybdenum grinding depend on the alloy, geometry and feature size. Grinding routinely holds single-micron tolerances on diameter, flatness and parallelism. Exact figures are confirmed against your drawing callouts.
Does CNC Centerless Grinding Molybdenum require dedicated tooling?
Most Molybdenum grinding work uses standard cutting tools and CNC programs; dedicated fixtures are made only when geometry or volume requires them.