VT machining provides CNC Centerless Grinding Stainless Steel for customers who need accurate, repeatable Stainless Steel components. Because Stainless Steel is corrosion resistant, strong, hygienic (304/316 grades), we adapt the process to suit — controlling the variables that matter for this alloy.
Process Data for CNC Centerless Grinding Stainless Steel
| Wheel (supply condition) | Aluminium oxide (white/ceramic), 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 304 Stainless Steel, the most common Stainless Steel grade we see for CNC Centerless Grinding. Typical values for 304 Stainless Steel, Annealed; confirmed on the first part.
CNC Centerless Grinding Capability for Stainless Steel
- No center holes needed
- High throughput
- Diameter ±0.003 mm
- Through-feed & in-feed
Stainless Steel material properties, finishing options and grade notes are on our CNC Surface Grinding Stainless Steel page.
How CNC Centerless Grinding Stainless Steel Works
An abrasive wheel removes a fine, controlled layer from the Stainless Steel 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.
Programming is driven directly by your 3D model or print. Work-holding, tool selection and the cutting strategy are planned around the critical features and the material before the first chip is cut. First-off inspection confirms the process is centred before production continues.
Achievable Tolerances for CNC Centerless Grinding Stainless Steel
| 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 Stainless Steel
We are happy to suggest design tweaks that improve manufacturability. Allowing adequate grind stock, specifying realistic flatness over the true datum, and relieving corners help us hit tight tolerances on Stainless Steel 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 Stainless Steel 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.
Exact achievable figures depend on the alloy, the feature size and the part geometry. Tell us which dimensions are critical and we will advise feasibility up front.
Applications of CNC Centerless Grinding Stainless Steel
Customers order CNC Centerless Grinding Stainless Steel components for everything from instrumentation to structural and functional assemblies. Whether you need a single prototype or recurring production volume, the same process discipline applies.
Typical Stainless Steel Parts for CNC Centerless Grinding
Illustrative examples of CNC Centerless Grinding Stainless Steel 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.
Mould insert
- Material
- Stainless Steel
- 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.
Ceramic-coated shaft journal
- Material
- Stainless Steel
- 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.
Lapping plate
- Material
- Stainless Steel
- 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.
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 Stainless Steel
- 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 Stainless Steel 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 Stainless Steel
Send the drawing, the Stainless Steel 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 is CNC Centerless Grinding Stainless Steel and how is it done?
CNC Centerless Grinding Stainless Steel refers to centerless grinding supports the workpiece on a blade between wheels for high-throughput OD finishing. Applied to Stainless Steel — corrosion resistant, strong, hygienic (304/316 grades) — VT machining produces each part to your CAD drawing, selecting parameters from your tolerance, finish and quantity requirements.
What is the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC Centerless Grinding Stainless Steel?
CNC Centerless Grinding prototypes for Stainless Steel can be produced quickly and scaled to series production. Send your drawing and quantity and we will advise lead time and any minimum order.
Can VT machining make custom Stainless Steel parts to my drawing?
Yes. Stainless Steel grinding is made to order from your CAD/2D drawing. Share your geometry, material grade, tolerance and quantity and we will confirm feasibility, lead time and pricing.
Why is Stainless Steel a good choice for CNC Centerless Grinding?
Stainless Steel is corrosion resistant, strong, hygienic (304/316 grades), which makes it well suited to CNC Centerless Grinding. We tune the process to the alloy so the finished Stainless Steel grinding part meets your dimensional and functional requirements.
What tolerances can you hold for CNC Centerless Grinding Stainless Steel?
Achievable tolerances for Stainless Steel 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.