CNC external cylindrical grinding performed on a Studer grinding machine

High-accuracy grinding for demanding precision components

Precisium provides external cylindrical grinding services for components requiring tight tolerances, stable geometry, and functional surface quality. We specialise in prototypes and small series, where precision, flexibility, and technical understanding are critical.

Our grinding processes are closely linked with in-house gauge manufacturing and final inspection, ensuring reliable results even for the most demanding applications.

What is cylindrical grinding?

Cylindrical grinding is a precision machining process used to achieve accurate diameters, tight tolerances, and high-quality surface finishes on rotationally symmetrical components. It is typically applied as a final machining step, where dimensional accuracy and functional performance are essential.

At Precisium, cylindrical grinding is often part of a broader precision manufacturing and metrology process, especially for components used in quality control, tooling, and high-precision assemblies.

Technical capabilities

Geometry and dimensions

  • External diameters from 1 mm to 250 mm
    (typical range: 2–150 mm)
  • Maximum workpiece length: up to 600 mm

Tolerances and accuracy

  • Achievable tolerances: down to ±0.001 mm
  • Typical serial tolerance: ±0.003 mm
  • IT grades: IT4, IT5, IT6
  • Optimised for prototypes and small batches up to approx. 20 pcs

Surface quality

  • Typical surface roughness: Ra 0.8 µm, achieved in serial production when required
  • Suitable for functional surfaces, including:
    • sliding surfaces
    • sealing surfaces
    • bearing seats
    • precision gauges

Materials

We regularly grind a wide range of steel materials, including:

  • tool steels
  • stainless steels
  • hardened steels (>60 HRC)
  • engineering steels and heat-treated precision components

Process approach and quality assurance

Our cylindrical grinding operations are performed on a CNC Studer cylindrical grinding machine as well as several conventional cylindrical grinding machines, allowing us to combine high precision, process stability, and flexibility.

  • This machine setup enables efficient handling of prototypes, single parts, and small series, while maintaining tight tolerances and consistent quality.
  • Grinding operations are directly linked to final inspection using our own gauges
  • Functional matching between components and gauges is part of our standard workflow
  • Internal grinding is performed separately on a coordinate grinding machine as part of gauge manufacturing, where required

This close integration of grinding and metrology is a key advantage for customers who require reliable and reproducible results.

Industries and applications

We support customers across multiple high-precision industries, including:

  • medical devices
  • automotive and e-mobility
  • automation and special machinery
  • pharmaceutical equipment
  • tooling and gauge manufacturing

Typical applications include precision shafts, functional cylindrical components, and elements used in quality control and measurement systems.

Why Precisium?

Customers choose Precisium because we combine:

  • high precision and tight tolerances
  • reliable lead times and flexible batch sizes
  • understanding of component function, not only drawings
  • direct integration of grinding and gauge-based inspection
  • ISO 9001 certified quality management
  • modern CNC grinding combined with conventional machines, optimised for small batches and technically demanding components

We are particularly valued for technically demanding components where standard grinding suppliers reach their limits.

Your partner for precision grinding

Whether you need a single prototype or a small production batch, Precisium offers a reliable and technically competent solution for cylindrical grinding.

Contact us to discuss your component requirements or become our customer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What tolerances can you achieve with cylindrical grinding?

We achieve tolerances down to ±0.001 mm, depending on geometry, material, and functional requirements. Typical serial tolerances are ±0.003 mm, optimised for prototypes and small batches.

2. What batch sizes do you support?

We specialise in single parts, prototypes, and small production series up to approximately 20 pieces. Our processes are designed for flexibility and technical accuracy rather than high-volume production.

3. What surface quality can be achieved?

Typical surface roughness values of Ra 0.8 µm can be achieved in serial production when required. Our grinding processes are suitable for functional surfaces, including sliding, sealing, bearing, and gauge surfaces.

4. Which materials can you grind?

We regularly grind:

  • tool steels
  • stainless steels
  • hardened steels above 60 HRC
  • engineering and heat-treated steels

5. Do you offer internal cylindrical grinding?

Internal grinding is performed on a coordinate grinding machine as part of gauge manufacturing, where required. The main focus of this service page is external cylindrical grinding.

6. How is quality ensured during and after grinding?

Quality is ensured through:

  • controlled grinding processes
  • final inspection using in-house manufactured gauges
  • functional matching between components and gauges where required
    All processes are supported by our ISO 9001 certified quality management system.

7. Which industries do you typically work with?

We support customers in:

  • medical technology
  • automotive and e-mobility
  • automation and machinery
  • pharmaceutical equipment
  • tooling and precision gauge manufacturing

Our services are tailored to applications where precision and reliability are critical.

8. Can you support technically demanding or non-standard components?

Yes. We are often chosen for technically demanding components that require tight tolerances, functional surfaces, or close cooperation between machining and metrology. If standard grinding suppliers are not a good fit, we are usually able to help.

9. Do you support customers across Europe?

Yes. We work with customers across Northern, Western, Eastern, and Central Europe, supplying precision components for technically demanding applications. Our experience includes collaboration with international engineering teams and quality departments across the European Union.

10. How can we request a quotation?

You can contact us directly with:

  • a technical drawing or 3D model,
  • material specification,
  • required tolerances and quantities.

Our team will review your requirements and provide a technically sound proposal.