VT machining provides CNC Cylindrical Grinding Copper for customers who need accurate, repeatable Copper components. Because Copper is excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, we adapt the process to suit — controlling the variables that matter for this alloy.
Process Data for CNC Cylindrical Grinding Copper
| Wheel (supply condition) | Silicon carbide, open structure |
|---|---|
| Depth per pass (rough / finish) | 0.02-0.05 / 0.002-0.005 mm |
| Achievable finish | Ra 0.4-0.8 µm (soft metals load the wheel) |
| Typical size tolerance | Ø ±0.002 mm, roundness 0.001-0.002 mm |
| Diameter growth, Ø50 mm, +3 °C | 2.6 µm |
| Work speed | 15-30 m/min (between centres) |
Shown for C110 Copper, the most common Copper grade we see for CNC Cylindrical Grinding. Typical values for C110 Copper, Annealed or H02; confirmed on the first part.
CNC Cylindrical Grinding Capability for Copper
- Roundness within 0.002 mm
- OD tolerance ±0.002 mm
- Ra to 0.2 µm
- Between-centers work
Copper material properties, finishing options and grade notes are on our CNC Surface Grinding Copper page.
How CNC Cylindrical Grinding Copper Works
An abrasive wheel removes a fine, controlled layer from the Copper 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 Cylindrical Grinding Copper
| 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 Cylindrical Grinding Copper
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 Copper efficiently. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
CNC Cylindrical Grinding Tolerances & Surface Finish
Ground Copper 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 Cylindrical Grinding Copper
Copper parts made this way are found throughout aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics and industrial equipment. Prototype, bridge and production volumes are all welcome.
Typical Copper Parts for CNC Cylindrical Grinding
Illustrative examples of CNC Cylindrical Grinding Copper 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
- Copper
- 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
- Copper
- 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
- Copper
- 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 Cylindrical Grinding Copper
- 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 Copper 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 Cylindrical Grinding
Other Processes for Copper
Send the drawing, the Copper grade and the quantity. You get pricing, lead time and any DFM notes back — usually within one business day.
Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
How clean are the edges produced by CNC Cylindrical Grinding on Copper?
Machined Copper edges are clean and to specification; edge-break or deburring is added when your drawing calls for it.
Which industries use CNC Cylindrical Grinding Copper parts?
CNC Cylindrical Grinding Copper parts are used across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor and general industrial sectors — anywhere precise Copper components are required.
What tolerances can you hold for CNC Cylindrical Grinding Copper?
Achievable tolerances for Copper 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.
What surface finish is achievable on Copper with CNC Cylindrical Grinding?
Grinding can take Copper to a fine finish — typically Ra 0.1–0.4 µm, and to a mirror grade on suitable alloys.