Centerless ground bars are an integral part of various machining and fabrication processes. They can be used in a wide range of applications, including automotive, aerospace, medical device manufacturing, electrical appliances, computer hardware, and more.
Are you looking for some general information about centerless ground bars? If so, you’ve come to the right place. This centerless ground bar supplier in Seattle, Washington is going to explain some of the key points you should know about these bars and their uses below.
What Are Centerless Ground Bars?
Centerless ground bars are cylindrical metal bars that are machined to a very high degree of precision. This type of bar is created using a process called centerless grinding, which involves using an abrasive wheel to remove material from the bar’s surface until it reaches its desired size and surface finish. As a result, these bars can have extremely tight tolerances (+/- 0.0002” or even tighter), and they are used for applications where exacting specifications must be met.
The outside diameter and length of a centerless ground bar can vary greatly depending on the application — however, they typically range from less than 1/8” up to 3” in diameter with lengths up to 24 feet. The straightness, roundness or taper tolerance, surface finish, and concentricity may all need to be adjusted to meet specific requirements.
Centerless ground bar suppliers in Seattle, Washington can achieve tighter tolerances with the centerless grinding process, which allows them to meet the exacting specifications often required by manufacturers.
What Materials Can Be Used for Centerless Ground Bars?
A variety of materials can be used to produce centerless ground bars — these include steel grades such as carbon, alloy or stainless steels; aluminum; brass and bronze alloys; and even titanium and other exotic metals.
Depending on the end-use of the bar, different material grades may be chosen depending on their strength, corrosion resistance, and other factors that would best suit the application.
Additionally, many centerless ground bar suppliers in Seattle, Washington offer products made from special alloys, often referred to as high-temperature alloys — such as Alloy 625 or Alloy 718— that can withstand extreme temperatures and pressures.
What Are Some Applications of Centerless Ground Bars?
Centerless ground bars can be used in a variety of industries, such as automotive, aerospace, medical device manufacturing, power generation, computer hardware, and more.
They are often used in producing components like shafts, axles, or pins for machining processes that demand tight tolerances on the input material to ensure accuracy and quality. Centerless ground bars may also be employed for special purposes, such as linkages for robotics arms, roller rods for hospital beds, rods and screws for spine implants and other applications requiring strength and durability.
How are Centerless Ground Bars Made?
The process of creating centerless ground bars begins with the selection of the material. Depending on the application, different types of material may be selected to best-suit the working environment and end-use requirements.
Once a suitable material is chosen, a round bar, slightly larger than the finished dimension, is fed through a centerless grinding machine. Making several passes through the grinding wheels in the machine, the surface of the bar is gradually reduced to achieve the desired finished size and tolerance.
Secondary operations — such as straightening or polishing — may also be required to achieve certain goals based on the specifics of the application.
How to Choose the Right Centerless Ground Bar Supplier in Seattle, Washington
There are several factors to consider when looking for the right centerless ground bar supplier in Seattle, Washington. First and foremost, it’s important to find a supplier that can offer quality materials and precision processing. A reputable supplier should be able to provide the right material type and grade and process it to exacting tolerances.
Furthermore, their staff should be available to answer any questions about the process or provide advice when necessary. Competitive pricing and delivery times should also be taken into consideration.
Looking for a Centerless Ground Bar Supplier in Seattle, Washington?
If you’re looking for a reliable centerless ground bar supplier in Seattle, Washington, Banner Commercial is the top choice. We offer a wide selection of materials and can achieve exact tolerances and quick turnaround times.
Our metallurgists are available to answer any questions you may have regarding your options. Contact us today at (800) 323-9732 to learn how we can assist you.