CNC Centerless Grinding Nickel from VT machining delivers precision Nickel 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 Nickel, which is corrosion and heat resistant.
Process Data for CNC Centerless Grinding Nickel
| Wheel (supply condition) | Aluminium oxide, soft grade |
|---|---|
| Depth per pass (rough / finish) | 0.01-0.03 / 0.002-0.005 mm |
| Achievable finish | Ra 0.2-0.4 µm |
| Typical size tolerance | Ø ±0.002 mm, roundness 0.001-0.002 mm |
| Through-feed rate | 1-3 m/min |
| Diameter range | Ø1-60 mm |
Shown for Nickel 200, the most common Nickel grade we see for CNC Centerless Grinding. Typical values for Nickel 200, Annealed; confirmed on the first part.
CNC Centerless Grinding Capability for Nickel
- No center holes needed
- High throughput
- Diameter ±0.003 mm
- Through-feed & in-feed
Nickel material properties, finishing options and grade notes are on our CNC Surface Grinding Nickel page.
How CNC Centerless Grinding Nickel Works
An abrasive wheel removes a fine, controlled layer from the Nickel 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 Nickel
| 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.
Design Tips for CNC Centerless Grinding Nickel
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 Nickel 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 Nickel 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.
Applications of CNC Centerless Grinding Nickel
Nickel parts made this way are found throughout aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics and industrial equipment. Prototype, bridge and production volumes are all welcome.
Typical Nickel Parts for CNC Centerless Grinding
Illustrative examples of CNC Centerless Grinding Nickel parts and the callouts that usually drive the process plan. They show the kind of work that fits this process; they are not specific customer orders.
Punch tool
- Material
- Nickel
- Size
- Ø10 × 60 mm
- Key callouts
- OD ±0.002 mm, roundness 0.002 mm, Ra 0.1 µm
- Batch
- 300 pcs
Cylindrical ground after hardening to 60 HRC — machining soft would not hold the size.
Lapping plate
- Material
- Nickel
- Size
- 300 × 300 × 30 mm
- Key callouts
- Flatness 0.005 mm over the full face
- Batch
- 20 pcs
Ground, stress-relieved, ground again — one pass will not hold flatness on this area.
Slitter blade
- Material
- Nickel
- 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.
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 Nickel
- 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 Nickel 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 Nickel
Send the drawing, the Nickel grade and the quantity. You get pricing, lead time and any DFM notes back — usually within one business day.
Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Why is Nickel a good choice for CNC Centerless Grinding?
Nickel is corrosion and heat resistant, which makes it well suited to CNC Centerless Grinding. We tune the process to the alloy so the finished Nickel grinding part meets your dimensional and functional requirements.
What material thickness or size range suits CNC Centerless Grinding Nickel?
We machine Nickel across a broad size range; share your part envelope for confirmation.
Does CNC Centerless Grinding Nickel require dedicated tooling?
Most Nickel grinding work uses standard cutting tools and CNC programs; dedicated fixtures are made only when geometry or volume requires them.
How clean are the edges produced by CNC Centerless Grinding on Nickel?
Machined Nickel edges are clean and to specification; edge-break or deburring is added when your drawing calls for it.