Jig Grinding Services for Tight Tolerances and Complex Geometry

Jig grinding can be an indispensable process when parts have complex geometry and require tight tolerances or precise finishing. But these days, fewer and fewer shops offer this capability as experienced jig grinders retire.

At Peerless Precision, jig grinding has been central to our work since we opened our doors in 1976. We continue to offer this specialized process, and we conduct ongoing training for our shop’s next generation of grinders so that customers can rely on this capability into the future.

When Jig Grinding Is the Right Process

CNC milling and turning are highly accurate processes, but some parts require a secondary finishing operation to achieve the most demanding tolerances, features, or surface finish requirements. Jig grinding can be the best choice if a part’s geometry makes standard ID or OD cylindrical grinding difficult or impossible.

For example, a perfectly round part that needs internal or external grinding is likely a good fit for an ID or OD grinder. But if the part has more complex geometry, or has a feature that can’t be accessed in a standard grinder, jig grinding provides a precise solution for finishing those critical areas.

Jig grinding lets us take on a wider variety of precision grinding projects, especially for parts with both tight tolerances and complex geometry. And it can simplify the process: we can complete multiple operations on a single machine rather than having to move parts between several machines.

Skilled Jig Grinders Keep the Capability Alive

Manual jig grinding is a true skill. The process depends on a well-developed feel and expert understanding of how to maintain proper feeds and speeds without a numeric control panel.

When Peerless Precision first opened, this capability was more common, and experienced jig grinders were easier to find. Today, that skill is much harder to replace if a team member retires. Many shops that once offered jig grinding are losing that capability as longtime employees near retirement.

At Peerless Precision, we understand how important it is to keep this rare capability available into the future. Our lead jig grinder has decades of experience, and we continue to train additional team members so that jig grinding remains available for our customers long term.

Staying Busy, But Finding Capacity

Because jig grinding has become less common, our team stays very busy. In fact, we can barely remember the last time the machine sat idle waiting for work.

One example of a repeat job that requires our jig grinder is crankcase housings for thermal imaging cameras. These parts have complex geometry and can’t be completed on a standard ID or OD grinder. Several bores need to be finished on the jig grinder in multiple operations to meet the part’s requirements.

We also support other shops that need help with jig grinding. Sometimes those customers come to us because their own jig grinder has retired, or because they have a part they cannot complete with their in-house equipment. We do our best to fit the work into our schedule and help them meet their requirements.

Let’s Discuss Your Tight Tolerance Parts

Like our honing and lapping services, manual jig grinding used to be a more common manufacturing capability. But the number of shops that offer it is shrinking. At Peerless Precision, we’re committed to maintaining this capability for the long run.

If your part requires tight tolerances, contact our precision machine shop, and we can determine whether jig grinding is the right solution!