Today’s manufacturing floor looks far different from the shops of 40 years ago. But even in this era of automation, there are corners of the industry where the human touch cannot be replaced. 

At Area Tool & Manufacturing, Inc., our precision grinding department is a testament to the value of craftsmanship. Through mastery of manual techniques, we achieve exceptional tolerances and finishes, often surpassing the capabilities of modern automated systems. Join us for an inside look at how our precision grinding process ensures every part meets our customers’ exacting standards.

Why Manual Precision Grinding Remains Vital at Area Tool

At Area Tool, we offer two distinct types of grinding: traditional surface grinding (or “dry grinding”) and wet grinding. Traditional surface grinding relies on direct contact between the wheel and material, while wet grinding incorporates coolant for temperature-sensitive applications.

Both methods can be utilized for profile and feature grinding, precision operations that are critical to meeting tight tolerances. At our Crawford County machine shop, we know there’s no substitute for manual grinding if you’re seeking the highest quality results in profile and feature grinding.

Yet because of its labor-intensive, high-skill nature, many shops may bypass grinding. For instance, some shops will simply mill a part, send it for heat treating, and use a glass beading technique to finish it. But this approach often leads to issues. Heat treating can cause the material to grow or shrink, rendering it difficult or impossible to maintain specified tolerances.

Instead, our approach is to deliberately leave extra stock on parts during the precision machining process. After heat treating, we grind the parts to meet specified tolerances and achieve the required surface finish. This method ensures accuracy and functionality that other techniques cannot match.

Greater Precision When Tolerances Matter Most

Simply put, surface grinding is an art. Years of experience are required to pick up the subtle cues necessary to master the process, from the sound of the wheel meeting the material to the behavior of the metal. Every movement matters, and success requires maintaining a delicate balance: too much heat can ruin the part, while too little slows down production. It’s yet another way in which our old-school manufacturing principles prove their value.

Maintaining precision in such a delicate technique requires constant equipment monitoring. We pay careful attention to the chuck, the surface where workpieces sit during grinding. Regular regrinds and accuracy verification ensures consistent, precise results.

Cleanliness is just as important. In precision grinding, where we work with tight tolerances, even the smallest debris can affect results. That’s why we follow strict protocols to maintain a pristine environment, ensuring every part is handled with the utmost care.

Getting Your Most Complex Parts Right the First Time

While many shops avoid surface grinding because of its demanding, skill-intensive nature, we know it’s critical to delivering the best possible parts. Our grinding technique ensures we always deliver the tolerances and surface finishes that are vital to your part’s form and function. 

With Area Tool, we provide exactly what you request, without any shortcuts or compromises. In every project and every collaboration, our results help us to create deep, long-term partnerships.

Request a Quote for Precision Grinding

If you need precision grinding services with skills honed over decades, contact Area Tool today. We can offer you more capabilities in-house to simplify your project, from CNC machining services to sinker EDM. 

Request a quote today and learn what our precision machine shop can do for you!