Phone: (440) 946-8888 | info@euclidprecision.com
At Euclid Precision Grinding we use abrasives to shape specialty metals into essential components used in the semi-conductor, aerospace, medical and machine tool industries. In particular, our expertise with refractory metals like Molybdenum and Tungsten is well regarded internationally.
With over 60 years doing nothing but grinding, we probably have more experience with specialty metals than most shops have with regular steels. Orders completed on a regular basis include the following:
In addition to our experience with unusual metals, our Abrasive Waterjets are utilized to cut other materials used in industry, including plastics of every type, fiberglass, rubber, composites, and laminated materials. We have also contributed to architectural designers and building contractors, where we have used our waterjets to cut intricate light fixture components from brass or aluminum, decorative steel stair-case details, unusually shaped ceramic floor tile and even marble counter tops.
Common Terminology Mistakes: Flat & Parallel Many use the terms “flat” and “parallel” interchangeably, when in fact, they are two totally different specifications. Using these terms incorrectly can cost you money!
Parallelism is notated on drawings with this symbol. When two surfaces are parallel to one another, they are continuously equidistant. In precision grinding, parallelism is typically confirmed using a micrometer. After grinding, the critical dimension of a part is “checked” in several locations to confirm the surfaces are equidistant within the specified tolerance. Note that parallelism does not take any warpage or twisting into account. Use this analogy: railroad tracks are always parallel - but the tracks do go up and down inclines and go around curves. Even though the tracks are parallel, they are not necessarily flat or straight!
Flatness in notated on drawings with this symbol. Flatness is the condition of a surface falling in one continuous plane. In most cases, a flatness specification on a part requires that a critical surface lies within a zone (a tolerance) defined by two parallel planes. In precision grinding, flatness of a critical surface is typically confirmed by mounting the part on three “zeroed” points and passing a dial indicator over the entire surface. This will indicate the degree of warpage or twist in the critical surface of the part. Note that this has absolutely nothing to do with parallelism. Use this analogy: a wedge-shaped part can have two surfaces that are “dead flat,” but the surfaces are definitely not parallel to one another. Total Indicator Reading (T.I.R.) is a common notation that requires a critical surface to be both flat, and parallel to another surface. In precision grinding, T.I.R. is confirmed by laying the part on a master granite surface plate and passing a dial indicator across the entire surface of the part. This will indicate the combined degree of taper (parallelism) and warpage or twist (flatness) of the critical dimension. It is important to note that the phrase “parallel within .001 T.I.R” is technically not a correct notation - and it causes confusion. Does the part need to be parallel within .001 or does it also need to be flat? To avoid confusion, the proper terms used should be “flat & parallel .001,” “flat and parallel within .001 T.I.R.,” or simply “.001 T.I.R.” The distinction between flatness and parallelism is very important. In the case of larger parts, achieving flatness is much more time consuming, and therefore more expensive, than achieving parallelism. Keep this in mind when designing parts or when asking for the specification on a quotation request when it really may not be necessary.
Effective Use Of Abrasives
With over 60 years of constant in house experimentation, we have discovered and utilized abrasive machining techniques that a typical job shop would not even consider. In addition, we have readily embraced recent advances in grinding and abrasive machining technologies. As a result, we now have the capability to manufacture parts from start to finish-- using abrasives only.
Why Abrasives Instead Of Traditional Machining?
It really is no secret that the harder a material is to machine, the easier it is to grind. This gives grinding a decided advantage when it comes to producing parts made from today’s tough materials. And when we grind large batch loads in one set up, holding uniformity within .0001’s of inches, the machining competition doesn’t stand a chance.
Cutting Edge
Few job shops in the U.S. offer abrasive waterjet cutting and high precision grinding services all under one roof. Rethink your job routings. If your part needs to be finish ground, why not start with the grinder? Stop machining, and mill it with a grinding wheel!
Craftsmen
We believe that pride in what we do everyday is the key ingredient to superior quality. As a result, we maintain our traditional emphasis on operator responsibility for quality workmanship on each and every job. One thing you can be sure of: if our seasoned operators aren’t satisfied your job is completed correctly, it won’t get out the door.
Standards
We recognize that our sophisticated customer base has ever increasing quality demands. As a result, we provide our operators with sophisticated inspection equipment that is routinely calibrated and registered to traceable national standards. Not only are these tools used for final inspection, but more importantly, they are used during the production process. This ensures “quality in, quality out.”
Equipment
Inspection equipment includes five precision granite surface plates ( the largest being 4’ X 8’ ), micrometers up to 26-inches, master height gages up to 24-inches, surface roughness testers, master gage block sets, and a large assortment of inspection gages and fixtures.
National Recognition
Euclid Precision’s work generally speaks for itself. It is gratifying to continually receive supplier recognition awards for quality workmanship from customers around the country. However, as they say in Sheffield, the proof is in the pudding. The most satisfying “proof” we can ever receive is a repeat order from a satisfied customer.
