CNC Grinding Hard Alloys is a core capability at VT machining. We combine controlled grinding with material-aware setup for Hard Alloys — an alloy that is wear-resistant carbide and hardened tool materials — to produce parts that meet your specification first time.
Process Data for CNC Grinding Hard Alloys
| Wheel (supply condition) | Diamond (resin or metal bond) |
|---|---|
| Depth per pass (rough / finish) | 0.005-0.015 / 0.002-0.005 mm |
| Achievable finish | Ra 0.1-0.2 µm |
| Typical size tolerance | Ø ±0.002 mm, roundness 0.001-0.002 mm |
| Thermal growth, 200 mm part, +2 °C | 2.2 µm (CTE 5.5 µm/m·K) |
Shown for Tungsten Carbide, the most common Hard Alloys grade we see for CNC Grinding. Typical values for Tungsten Carbide, Sintered; confirmed on the first part.
CNC Grinding Capability for Hard Alloys
- Surface finish to Ra 0.1–0.4 µm
- Dimensional tolerance to ±0.002 mm
- Flatness/parallelism within 0.005 mm
- Wheel grit selected per alloy hardness
Hard Alloys Material Data
| Density | 14.5 g/cm³ |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 2000–3500 (TRS) MPa |
| Yield strength (0.2%) | — |
| Hardness | 88–93 HRA / 1300–1800 HV |
| Melting point | 2870 (WC) °C |
| Thermal conductivity | 70–100 W/m·K |
| Thermal expansion | 5.0 ×10⁻⁶/K |
| Electrical conductivity | 10% |
| Machinability (C36000 = 100%) | grind / EDM only |
| Grades we run | YG6, YG8, YG15 (K10–K30), D2, H13, M2, SKD11 |
Published typical values for WC-Co (YG8 / K20). Other grades in the family differ — the certificate supplied with your order carries the actual heat-lot figures.
Everything is done by grinding, wire EDM or sinker EDM. Design in a small corner radius wherever possible — a true sharp internal corner doubles the EDM time.
How CNC Grinding Hard Alloys Works
An abrasive wheel removes a fine, controlled layer from the Hard Alloys 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 Grinding Hard Alloys
| 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 Grinding Hard Alloys
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 Hard Alloys efficiently. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
CNC Grinding Tolerances & Surface Finish
Ground Hard Alloys 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 Hard Alloys
Hard Alloys is wear-resistant carbide and hardened tool materials. 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.
Applications of CNC Grinding Hard Alloys
Hard Alloys parts made this way are found throughout aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics and industrial equipment. Prototype, bridge and production volumes are all welcome.
Typical Hard Alloys Parts for CNC Grinding
Illustrative examples of CNC Grinding Hard Alloys 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
- Hard Alloys
- 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
- Hard Alloys
- 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
- Hard Alloys
- 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.
Finishing Options for Hard Alloys
| 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 Grinding Hard Alloys
- 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 Hard Alloys 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 Grinding
Other Processes for Hard Alloys
Send the drawing, the Hard Alloys 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 Hard Alloys a good choice for CNC Grinding?
Hard Alloys is wear-resistant carbide and hardened tool materials, which makes it well suited to CNC Grinding. We tune the process to the alloy so the finished Hard Alloys grinding part meets your dimensional and functional requirements.
Does CNC Grinding Hard Alloys require dedicated tooling?
Most Hard Alloys 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 Grinding on Hard Alloys?
Machined Hard Alloys edges are clean and to specification; edge-break or deburring is added when your drawing calls for it.
What tolerances can you hold for CNC Grinding Hard Alloys?
Achievable tolerances for Hard Alloys 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.