External Grinding (OD Grinding): All You Should Know

Grinding is a combination of surface finishing and manufacturing processes. Along with surface finishing, it also helps shape components. External grinding, also called OD grinding, works on the external diameter of the components.

You can learn about external grinding, its methods, and its pros and cons in this guide below.

What is OD Grinding?

OD grinding, or outside-diameter grinding, is a cylindrical external grinding process in which machining is carried out on the outer surface of the component.

It is a precision-oriented process that grinds and finishes the components. Components like pipes, rolls, cylinders, and shafts are subjected to precision OD grinding.

How External Grinding Works?

The process of outside-diameter grinding has the following steps, and these are as follows:

• The first stage is selecting a grinding wheel suitable for the material. It should be abrasive enough to work on the component, offering the required finish.
• The speed and feed rate of the grinding wheel are then adjusted according to the grinding operation.
• The workpiece is securely mounted to the machine and aligned perfectly with the grinding wheel.
• The grinding wheel and workpiece come into contact with one another, which helps remove material.
• During the process, coolant application is very important as heat releases and may cause damage to the workpiece.
• Once the grinding is processed, the component is inspected for finish and accuracy.

Benefits of External Grinding

The process of OD grinding comes with ample benefits, and some of these are as follows:

• It offers high precision and accuracy with a very fine surface and accurate dimensions.
• The process of OD grinding is suitable for all types of materials ranging from metals to polymers to ceramics.
• The grinding process offers a smooth surface to the components from the outer part.
• External grinding has the ability to machine hard metals, which are composed of materials that are strong.
• Outer diameter grinding produces precise shapes that have profiles, grooves, and slots.
• Grinding doesn't lead to burr formation, which is a common problem with the other types of finishing processes.
• If appropriate coolant is used, the heat generation is very low and protects the components from thermal damage.

Drawbacks of External Grinding

The process of external grinding also has some drawbacks, and these are as follows:

• The grinding machines are very expensive compared to other types of equipment.
• The grinding wheels need replacement every now and then, and it is a very costly replacement.
• The process of setting up the grinding machines for certain tasks may be highly complex.
• The rate of removal of material is very slow and impacts the efficiency of the process.
• The grinding process causes a lot of dust and noise, and safety controls may be needed.

Materials for External Grinding

The process of external grinding is applicable to versatile materials, and some of these materials are as follows:

Metalli

Metals are very common types of materials used in the grinding process. The different types of metals which are commonly opted for are as follows:

Aluminum: It is lightweight and is used in automobile and aerospace components.

Steel: Steel offers durability and versatility to tool-making industries through external grinding processes.

Titanium: Titanium has corrosion resistance and strength and is used in medical implants.

Brass and copper: Electrical components are subjected to external grinding of brass and copper due to their high electrical conductivity.

Ceramics

Ceramics offer heat resistance and hardness, which makes these materials challenging to grind. Some of the different types of ceramics which are subjected to external grinding are as follows:

Silicon carbide: Silicon carbide offers hardness and is opted for external grinding in the clutches and brakes of the car.

Zirconia: Zirconia is opted for external grinding for medical applications as it offers biocompatibility.

Porcelain: The components manufactured through external grinding are used for tableware and insulators.

Plastica

Plastic components are manufactured using external grinding; some of the plastics are as follows:

Acrylic: It is used in products like signage and lenses.

Polycarbonate: It is used for containers and packaging.

PVC: It is used for decorative items and pipes.

Nylon: External grinding is carried out in nylon to manufacture bushings and bearings.

Legno

Wood grinding also opted for the wooden components to be ground externally; some of the types of wood subjected to the process of external grinding are as follows:

Hardwood: Components used in flooring and furniture are manufactured with external grinding.

Softwood: The paper and construction industry uses external grinding of softwood.

Vetro

Glass components require precision grinding so that shattering can be avoided, and for this, different types of glass are opted for.

Soda-lime glass: It is widely used in bottles and windows after the external grinding process.

Quartz glass: It is suitable for the optical industry and high-temperature applications.

Borosilicate glass: It offers heat resistance during the grinding process and is used in cookware.

What Industries Is OD Grinding Used For?

The industries that use OD grinding are as follows due to the versatility of the process:

Industria automobilistica: OD grinding is used for components that require precision, which include transmission shafts, bearings, axles, camshafts, etc. These components attain tight tolerance and durability.

Aerospace Industry: The aerospace industry needs strength and high precision. The parts manufactured for the aerospace industry are engine components, landing gear, and turbine shafts.

Manufacturing Industry: This industry requires components that have seamless quality external surfaces, which are important for machinery and tools.

Industria medica: OD grinding helps achieve precise dimensions and smooth finishes. Components like prosthetics, surgical tools, and implants are manufactured using OD grinding.

Alternatives to External Grinding

The alternative techniques to external grinding are given below:

Internal Grinding

Internal grinding is a process that grinds the internal surface of the cylindrical components. These components consist of sleeves, precision bores, bearings, etc. The outer grinding wheel operates on the outer surface, and the internal grinding grinds the inner surface.

The grinding wheel rotates at high speed and works on the inner diameter to smooth the surface of the components. It is used in aerospace, hydraulic systems, and automobile components.

Rettifica di superficie

Rettifica di superficie creates a flat and smooth surface that is needed for gears, tooling, and plates. The process of surface grinding removes the least amount of material and offers a fine finish and high precision.

It has the ability to handle the larger and smaller components for grounding components with complex geometries.

Rettifica senza centri

Rettifica senza centri is a method that grinds the outer diameter of components like tubes, pins, and rods. They do not even have a chuck to hold the component.

The component is held between the two wheels, the grinding wheel and the rotating wheel, which helps grind the component.

Pensieri finali

External grinding is used to add finishing and shape to the outer part of many components. This process is highly versatile because it caters to a lot of materials and industries that manufacture components with detailed features.

Many manufacturers opt for OD grinding to have seamless, smooth, finished components.

Choose DEK for External Grinding Services

If you are looking for an external grinding service provider offering high quality at affordable prices, you can contact DEK. We offer highly precise components manufactured and finished using an external grinding process.

So, get in touch with us today if you need a custom component manufactured using external grinding.