The markets for double-disc grinding and hyprolapping services continue to expand as more companies in different industries are interested in the technology. While the automotive and aerospace industries have long maintained key positions in these markets, new applications like computer chip-making and knife-smithing have emerged and are experiencing strong growth, according to industry insiders. Products include ceramic bearings, shims, and other pieces that require precision tolerances.
Knives see strong growth
Knife-makers often struggle to finish their wares because of the exotic materials they use and because they introduce new hard-to-work materials every year or so. With demand clustered in specific pockets on the East and West coasts, the knife-smithing industry often requires new grinding setups because the current solutions no longer work with the new exotic materials in the mix. ASG’s seasoned team of engineers and machinists is not only experienced with a variety of part materials but has the in-house capabilities of reconfiguring machines and tooling to quickly adjust to new jobs.
Medical equipment also sees demand
The medical equipment sector also remains a strong market for double-disc grinding and hyprolapping processes. Medical equipment requires the tight tolerances achieved by double-disc grinding and hyprolapping. Common applications include pins used in surgery and pacemaker batteries.
A market niche for these services focuses on thin project pieces of 1mm and below, such as the manufacture of precision shims. The challenge for operators is to avoid overheating the workpiece and maintain precision tolerances.
Some ASG competitors struggle to continue to provide hyprolapping and double-disc grinding services or to handle tough jobs like finishing ultra-thin workpieces. However, we remain fully committed to providing current and new customers with state-of-the-art superfinishing capabilities.
Winning the war for talent
One factor hindering the industry is the scarcity of talent. Some industry observers say a number of independent vendors have stopped offering double disc grinding and hyprolapping services due to their inability to retain skilled workers in this area.
As industry veterans often confirm, when you’re dealing with double disc grinding, it’s not necessarily a science: it’s an art. An operator needs to understand his or her machine and how to manipulate it to process the product effectively. ASG knows operators are the key to this equation, which is why we invest heavily in training and motivating our people to excel at double disc grinding and hyprolapping.
ASG offers full double-disc grinding and hyprolapping services that maintain precision tolerances as well as light band microfinishing. To learn more, call (330) 273-3443 or contact us through our website.