When we need to manufacture a material with a desired finish and dimension, we use the grinding machining process. There is a wide range of smoothing methods, so it is important to choose the right machining process for your intended application. Failure to do so could jeopardize the quality and outcome of your project. Two common methods are blanchard and precision grinding. Read on to learn the difference between these two types of smoothing methods, so that you can better choose the process that meets the needs of your manufacturing application.

Blanchard grinding

Blanchard grinding is a machining process that is commonly known as rotating surface grinding. It was developed in the early 1900s by a company called the Blanchard Machine Company. The most common application for smoothing rotating surfaces is the removal of large surface material. Precision straightening is preferred for this application because it is simply cheaper. It is also preferred for the distinguishable surface finish marks it leaves. They are considered aesthetically attractive to some people.

For grinding large ferrous (containing iron) materials with this machining method, it is common to use magnets to hold it in place while smoothing continues. On the other hand, it still works well with non-ferrous metals that do not contain iron or other trace ferrous elements, provided alternative locking devices are used. That’s because non-ferrous materials are not magnetic.

Examples of Blanchard Grinding Applications:

• Prints

• Castings

• Forgings

• Sectioned Plate Stock

• Molds

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Precision grinding

If you have a small surface to work with, then precision grinding is the right machining process for the job. This method is primarily used for materials with small surface areas that require an exceptionally flat finish or a strict level of parallelism. There are also other forms of precision smoothing, such as horizontal spindle surface grinding, which uses a rotating grinding wheel that comes into contact with the surface of the material. Cylindrical grinding is another type of precision grinding and is very similar to horizontal spindle surface grinding. The main difference is that it is used for rounded surfaces. Additional types include centerless grinding, creeping grinding, and bore grinding.

Abrasives commonly used for precision grinding include aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, and zirconium alumina. And sometimes lubricants are used to regulate high temperatures during grinding. Common applications for precision straightening include machine components, castings, stampings, shafts, bushings, pistons, cylinders, dies, and molds.