Solving the "Impossible": An Arter Precision Grinding Machine Case Study

As the OEM for Arter Precision Grinding Machines, our equipment is engineered to solve the most demanding challenges. We were recently presented with a problem a customer, and their entire network, had deemed "impossible."

Known for excellence in precision surface grinding, the Arter precision surface grinders can handle the "impossible"

The Challenge: "It Can't Be Done"

The client, a medium to high volume manufacturer, needed a precision grinding solution for a .030" (0.762mm) thick stainless steel piece.

They had consulted numerous experts in the surface grinding industry, only to be told the same thing: it couldn't work, and no production solution was available.

The part's combination of extreme thinness, material, required finish, and tight tolerance was a difficult conundrum. The client's existing third-party cut-off solution was failing. It induced a "rippling" effect on the part and, most critically, could not hold parallelism within .001".

They were stuck with an unreliable process for a critical component. From our deep application knowledge in rotary grinding, we were confident this was a job an Arter precision grinder could tackle.

Test grinding pucks on the Model D before adding a fixture and customer parts. Fully rebuilt Arter grinders can maintain tolerances within a couple of tenths of an inch in most applications.

The Solution: From "Impossible" to "In-Production"

Our applications engineers applied their deep niche expertise to identify a straightforward and robust solution: a Model D Arter precision surface grinder.

What makes this solution remarkable is the machine's history. The specific grinder we outfitted for the customer was initially manufactured in the 1960s. Its core components, stability, and build quality—the very DNA of an Arter—remained in fine condition for this high-precision job.

This is a testament to the enduring design and exceptional longevity of Arter machines. The only work required was to replace the obsolete chuck controller with a new, modern Magna-Lock USA unit.

The customer created their own simple fixturing to speed up loading, and with that, they were in full production.

Originally built as a Sundstrand-Arter grinder in the 1960s, this specific machine will last decades more with proper upkeep. A rebuild on this machine will prolong the life of the machine even longer.

The Result: <5% Scrap and a Proven Process

After three months of running production on the Arter Model D, the customer is experiencing a scrap rate of less than 5%—a massive success for a part once considered "impossible."

They were able to achieve their critical parallelism tolerances, finish, and meet high-volume production demands, proving the machine's inherent repeatability. The best result, however, came directly from the customer:

"Everyone told me this was impossible and wouldn't even talk with me, but you guys were able to work with me and give me a solution."

The story doesn't end there. Having proven the process, the client is now considering taking the next step: having their Arter grinder rebuilt to original OEM specifications from the ground up. They are so confident in the platform that they are reinvesting in it for decades more of productivity—the ultimate testament to Arter's legacy and performance.

Obsidian Manufacturing Industries, Inc. is a family-owned, certified WOSB manufacturing company. It is the OEM for Magna-Lock USA workholding, MagnaLift & Power-Grip lift magnets, and Arter Precision Grinding Machines as well providing surface grinding services. They are located at 5015 28th Ave. in Rockford, Ill. with a phone number of 815-962-8700. Check out more at obsidianmfg.com/brands.