We offer several grinding and surface finishing processes all under one roof, making it easier for manufacturers to choose the right method for their material, part design, tolerance, and production goals. Here are some of our primary capabilities.

Double-Disc Grinding

Double-disc grinding rapidly removes material from both sides of a part simultaneously, allowing both surfaces to be ground in a single step. This process delivers excellent flatness and parallelism while reducing cycle times. It works effectively on ferrous and non-ferrous metals as well as many plastics and polymers, with flatness often reaching within 0.0003 inches.

Grinding both sides at once helps maintain consistent thickness across production runs and minimizes residual stress. The result is quicker processing, reliable uniformity, and improved surfaces for subsequent machining, assembly, or finishing—all while helping control costs.

Hyprolapping

Hyprolapping combines the precision of honing with the efficiency of grinding to create extremely flat, smooth, and accurate parts, especially thin or delicate ones. Using an orbital motion between two wheels, it finishes both sides at the same time, providing enhanced control over size, flatness, and surface quality.

This process works on ferrous and non-ferrous metals and many plastics, achieving flatness within 0.00005 inches. We verify ultra-smooth surfaces with a profilometer, often reaching low RA/RZ values that eliminate the need for additional finishing. Hyprolapping is commonly used in aerospace, automotive, medical, semiconductor, and industrial equipment manufacturing where precision and consistency are critical.

Light Band Grinding

Certain applications require extremely flat surfaces particularly in gasket-less sealing or metal-to-metal contact environments. For these high-performance needs, such as aerospace components, hydraulic systems, valve bodies, and pumps, we combine advanced grinding and surface finishing techniques with light band flatness measurement and microfinishing.

Light band measurement uses monochromatic light and an optical flat to measure surface flatness with exceptional accuracy down to 23 millionths of an inch. When paired with hyprolapping, which finishes both sides of a part simultaneously, these methods deliver repeatable, high-precision surfaces ideal for high-pressure and high-wear operating conditions.

Experience That Delivers Results

With decades of hands-on experience in grinding and surface finishing, our team combines advanced equipment with strict process controls to enhance part quality and production efficiency. Alternative Surface Grinding is ISO 9001:2015 certified, ensuring documented quality processes and consistent results on every job. We support customers across aerospace, automotive, medical, industrial, agricultural, and energy sectors.

Whether you need prototypes, short runs, or high-volume production, we deliver consistent, top-quality results from single parts to millions. To learn how our precision grinding services can improve your next project, request a grinding quote today. You can also reach our team by calling 330-273-3443.

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Customers choose us for our high-quality surface grinding, fair pricing, and quick turnaround. We invest in customer service and skilled staff to deliver reliable results, no matter how complex the job.

Who We Are and What We Do

We work with a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, thermoplastics, rubber, and plated parts. As an experienced precision grinding company, we specialize in exotic and hard-to-work materials such as stainless steel, Hastelloy, Inconel, and titanium, and can process almost any part or component, regardless of complexity.

Our success is built on an ongoing investment in updated tooling, and continuous employee training. This commitment helps us meet evolving industry demands and maintain the highest standards of accuracy and repeatability.

Serving Diverse Industries

ASG serves many industries, including aerospace, transportation, machinery, agriculture, automotive, and new technologies. While automotive and aerospace are central to our business, we also support specialized, fast-growing applications such as the medical equipment sector.

ASG also works with powdered and sintered metal components, which often require secondary grinding to achieve precise dimensions and surface finishes. These materials present unique challenges due to their structure and near-net-shape designs, and ASG applies proven grinding techniques to deliver consistent results across a wide range of powdered metal applications.

A Wide Range of Precision Grinding Capabilities

Different applications require different grinding solutions. ASG offers a full range of precision grinding services to meet exact specifications:

• Double Disc Grinding (Double Face Grinding): Achieves precise flatness, thickness, and parallelism. This method is ideal for medium to high-volume production and offers consistent, cost-effective results.
• Hyprolap Grinding: Offers excellent flatness, size control, and surface finish. It works best for low-volume jobs that require tight tolerances measured in light bands.
• Light Band Microfinishing: This is one of the toughest micro-finishing measurement standards, used in aerospace, high-pressure seals, and complex mechanical assemblies.
• Tumbling & Deburring: This process gives parts of all shapes and sizes a smooth, even finish and clean edges.

Why Choose a Precision Grinding Company Like ASG?

Choosing a general grinding shop can be risky, especially for parts that need tight tolerances. As a specialized precision grinding company, ASG provides strong process control, high repeatability, fewer defects, and longer-lasting parts. We work to keep results consistent for both small and large parts, and we can handle complex shapes and tough requirements.

We take on difficult jobs other companies won’t. Want to see how ASG can help with your next project? Get in touch with us today.

The post Why Manufacturers Trust ASG for Precision Grinding appeared first on Alternative Surface Grinding.

Double Disc Grinding

Also known as double face grinding, double disc grinding removes equal amounts of material from both sides of a workpiece simultaneously. This efficient precision process is ideal for stampings, die castings, rings, valves, and small metal parts.

Key Benefits:

• Delivers faster cycle times by grinding both sides at once.
• Achieves outstanding flatness and consistent surface quality.
• Minimizes residual stress, improving downstream process performance.
• Provides a cost-effective solution for high-volume production runs.

Hyprolap Grinding

Hyprolapping combines elements of honing and grinding, using orbital motion between lapping wheels to grind both sides of a flat part simultaneously. This process is perfect for thin materials requiring extreme precision. Industries served include aerospace, automotive, firearms, semiconductor, and heavy machinery manufacturing.

Key Benefits:

• Delivers exceptional precision in size control, finish, and flatness.
• Provides ultra-smooth, low RA/RZ surface finishes.
• Works with metals, ceramics, and composites.
• Meets or exceeds the tightest dimensional tolerances.
• Reduces production costs by streamlining process steps.

Light Band Grinding

Our light band grinding process delivers unmatched precision—producing parts with surface flatness to within 23 millionths of an inch. This capability is critical for gasket-less sealing and high-performance hydraulic components, valve bodies, and pumps.

Key Benefits:

• Delivers ultra-flat surfaces for demanding assembly requirements.
• Enables high-accuracy measurements using light band technology.
• Supports metal-to-metal sealing without gaskets.
• Produces exceptionally smooth, refined finishes essential to critical components.

Tumbling

Tumbling is a complementary finishing process used by our precision grinding company to deburr, smooth, polish, and clean metal and plastic parts in bulk. It’s ideal for preparing parts for plating, coating, or final assembly.

Key Benefits:

• Cost-effective for mass production.
• Removes burrs and softens sharp edges efficiently.
• Enhances durability and surface quality.
• Suitable for a variety of materials and part geometries.

Decades of Advanced Grinding Expertise

With over 50 years of experience, ASG has established itself as a trusted precision grinding company known for its expertise in advanced grinding technology. Our processes produce parts with exceptional flatness, smoothness, and dimensional accuracy — improving part performance, longevity, and efficiency.

Every project benefits from our state-of-the-art equipment, close process monitoring, and deep technical knowledge. Whether you need tens of thousands or millions of parts, ASG delivers consistency and performance you can rely on.

Ready to collaborate with a proven precision grinding company for your next project? Contact us today to discuss your precision grinding needs.

The post Exploring Advanced Grinding Techniques from a Leading Precision Grinding Company appeared first on Alternative Surface Grinding.

Automotive industry in the driver’s seat

Automotive manufacturing accounts for roughly 50–60% of fineblanking demand, according to Polaris Market Research. Growth in electric vehicles (EVs) is fueling much of this expansion. EVs require lightweight, high-strength components to offset the weight of large traction batteries.

While fineblanking produces the consistent, clean-edged parts needed for gears, clutch plates, and brake components, additional precision surface grinding is often required to achieve tight parallelism and exacting flatness. ASG supports the EV supply chain through specialty surface grinding for the fineblanking industry, applying double disc grinding and hyprolapping to ensure these automotive parts meet demanding tolerances for safety and efficiency.

Expanding into aerospace precision

The aerospace sector also depends heavily on fineblanked parts, with applications ranging from turbine blades to structural brackets. Aerospace regulations demand not only dimensional accuracy but also surface quality that can withstand heat, stress, and vibration.

Fineblanking delivers close-tolerance shapes, but many aerospace parts require further processing to ensure perfectly smooth finishes free of micro-defects. ASG’s hyprolapping and double disc grinding methods provide the precise surface quality these safety-critical parts demand. By enhancing both performance and durability, ASG helps aerospace manufacturers meet the industry’s stringent quality standards.

Advances in fineblanking technology

Fineblanking presses themselves have advanced significantly, with servo-mechanical and hydraulic actuation improving precision and productivity. Manufacturers are also adopting Industry 4.0 technologies, enabling greater process control and consistency.

Even with these advancements, the reality is that many fineblanked parts still require specialized finishing. ASG’s specialty surface grinding for the fineblanking industry complements these technological improvements by refining fineblanked

components to final specification—bridging the gap between mass production and performance-critical readiness

3D printing as a challenger

Some industry observers suggest additive manufacturing (3D printing) could replace processes like fineblanking. While 3D printing offers excellent design freedom and minimal scrap, parts often require finishing to meet the same tolerances fineblanking routinely achieves.

This mirrors the dynamic we see with fineblanking: producing a close-tolerance form is just one step. To achieve the highest level of dimensional stability and surface flatness, ASG’s grinding services remain essential across both traditional and emerging manufacturing technologies.

Partnering with manufacturers

Although Alternative Surface Grinding does not produce fineblanked parts, we play a critical role in helping manufacturers across automotive, aerospace, and other industries achieve their performance goals. By providing secondary specialty surface grinding services, we ensure that fineblanked components not only meet specifications but also deliver long-term reliability in the most demanding environments.

To learn more about how ASG supports high-performance manufacturing with double disc grinding and hyprolapping services, call (330) 273-3443 or contact us.

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Industries That Rely on Powdered or Sintered Metals

Powdered or sintered metal parts are used across a wide range of industries where precision, durability, and competitive prices are essential. From complex automotive gears to delicate medical components, materials made from powdered or sintered metals require precise engineering with smooth, high-quality finishes.

ASG partners with multiple manufacturers nationwide to deliver surface grinding services that meet the highest standards of quality and accuracy. One of our clients, Stanley Medical, utilizes a press-and-sinter process to create components from powdered metals, collaborates with ASG to deliver parts with precise tolerances, complex geometries, and consistent quality across high-volume production runs.

How ASG Works with Powdered or Sintered Metals

Powdered or sintered metals require an expert approach because of their unique structure. Here’s how we ensure top-quality results:

• Collaborative Design Support: We work closely with you throughout the design and prototyping process to ensure your exact specifications are being met.
• Customized Grinding Techniques: Our team selects specialized equipment and methods tailored to powdered and sintered metals.
• Precision and Accuracy: Using advanced machinery, we deliver high-quality surface finishes and tight tolerances.
• Cost Savings: Develop the process to minimize grind stock, reducing costs while improving throughput.

ASG’s extensive capabilities include surface griding, precision grinding, double-disc grinding, hypro-lap grinding, and more. We support a wide range of applications and can process nearly any material, including ferrous and non-ferrous metals, delivering accurate and repeatable results for every project.

Partner with ASG for Exceptional Quality

For over five decades, our experienced team has delivered high-quality products at competitive prices, crafting every part for precision and durability. Customers rely on us for a wide range of manufacturing needs because of our strong commitment to quality, responsiveness, and exceptional service. Whether you need a single prototype or millions of precisely manufactured parts, our skilled technicians work with you to ensure that every component meets your exact specifications.

If your next project involves powdered or sintered metals, contact our team to learn how we can help you achieve outstanding results.

The post Surface Grinding for Sintered & Powdered Metal Components appeared first on Alternative Surface Grinding.

Why Surface Grinding Is Needed for Investment Cast Components

While investment casting offers excellent accuracy and a smooth as-cast finish, many components still require additional refinement to meet ultra-tight tolerances and performance standards. Precision surface grinding is a key secondary process that helps manufacturers:

• Meet exceptionally tight dimensional requirements.
• Achieve mirror-like surface finishes.
• Correct minor surface defects or inclusions
• Remove gates and risers left from the casting tree.
• Prepare surfaces for coatings that require a specific texture.

Even though investment cast components offer an impressive finish on their own, surface grinding ensures they perform flawlessly in demanding environments by enhancing accuracy, consistency, and durability.

How ASG Supports Investment Casting Manufacturers

At Alternative Surface Grinding, we specialize in precision surface grinding for components produced through the investment casting process. Our team works with a wide range of materials, including ferrous and non-ferrous metals. We have the expertise to handle even the most challenging substrates and complex designs.

A Trusted Partner in Precision

With over 50 years of proven expertise, ASG is the trusted choice for manufacturers who require performance, precision, and reliability. We take on the tough jobs other shops won’t—and deliver world-class quality, fast turnaround, and competitive pricing every time.

At ASG, our customers always come first. We work closely with each client to craft solutions that meet exact specifications and exceed expectations. When your investment cast components require exceptional surface finishes and uncompromising accuracy, contact Alternative Surface Grinding.

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What information is needed from a customer before starting work on their part? 

• Print 

• Starting thickness including flatness if available 

• Estimated annual volume and release quantities 

• Special packaging requirements 
• Target pricing is always helpful 

How do you determine which grinding or finishing processes are best suited for a particular part or material? 

• Size of part

• Geometry (shape of the part) 

• Surface finish and flatness required 

• Volume 

2. Surface Grinding Process 

What is the initial surface grinding phase?

• All parts go through a receiving inspection process to verify the incoming part meets the requirements for the process that has been specified 

How does grinding differ for ferrous, non-ferrous, powder metal, or plastic components? 

• Primary difference is wheel selection and method of fixturing 
• Occasionally a special coolant will be required 

3. Heat Treating 

At What Stage is Heat Treating Important for Certain Parts

• Heat Treating can induce some distortion; parts typically need to be heat treated prior to the final grinding process 
• In cases where a lot of stock needs to be removed, we may recommend removing the majority of the material prior to heat treat to improve throughput and reduce cost 

4. Secondary Grinding & Microfinishing 

After heat treating, when and why would a part be returned for another round of grinding or lapping? 

• To achieve the best dimensional capability and finish, grinding or lapping should be the final process whenever possible

5. Coating and Surface Treatments 

What types of coatings or surface treatments are most common for parts after grinding and lapping? 

• After lapping or grinding is complete, parts are rinsed and rust preventative applied if required

How does the coating process impact part precision and surface flatness? 

• Parts requiring a high performance, precision layer of wear resistant surface treatment such as chrome or hard chrome require a final lap after the coating has been applied
• This is very common in  firearms, pump seals and aerospace applications

6. Ancillary and Quality Assurance Services 

What ancillary services (e.g., tumbling, de-burring, light band measuring) are typically required for precision-ground parts? 

• We offer all of the above and will adjust based on customer requirements 
• Some inspections, such as light band inspection are difficult for our customers to reproduce due to the expense of the equipment. In those cases, we produce digital documentation of the inspection that can be shared with the customer

How do you ensure every part meets both customer requirements and ASG’s standards for quality? 

• All products receive a final inspection

What’s your process for documenting and verifying achieved tolerances? 

• Inspection results are documented and maintained based on specific customer requirements

7. Challenges & Expertise 

What are common challenges in maintaining surface flatness throughout all these processes? 

• Working with the customer to provide us with parts that are as flat as possible is the most important aspect. 
• If the inbound part is “out of flat” we may not be able to meet the required flatness and parallelism that is required. Often times we assist customers in measuring these features and in some cases collaborate to improve their internal processes. 

How does your team collaborate with customers to resolve potential issues or last-minute changes in requirements? 

• We pride ourselves on being flexible; we will do everything we can to help our customers succeed. It’s not uncommon for us to improve the overall process and offer our customers a price reduction

8. Customer Communication & Satisfaction 

How did your process expertise solve a significant customer problem with a project?

• ASG asks for samples prior to committing to a project – a lot of companies do not do that. This can save the customer considerable time and money. 
• Exceptional quality 

The post Achieving Surface Flatness Success: The High Precision Grinding Process appeared first on Alternative Surface Grinding.

What is Flat Lapping?

Flat lapping is a precision surface finishing process that uses a lapping plate (usually made of cast iron or other suitable material) and a lapping compound (an abrasive slurry) to remove material from a workpiece. The workpiece is placed in contact with the rotating lapping plate, and the abrasive slurry is introduced between the plate and the part. The combination of the abrasive particles and the relative motion between the plate and the workpiece results in a controlled material removal, producing a flat, smooth surface.

Other Names for Flat Lapping

The terms used for flat lapping can sometimes be confusing because different industries or companies may use different terminology. Here are some of the terms that are often used interchangeably with flat lapping:

• Lapping: This is the most general term and often implies flat lapping unless otherwise specified.
• Precision Lapping: This emphasizes the high degree of accuracy and surface finish that can be achieved.
• Surface Lapping: This highlights that the process is specifically for finishing surfaces.
• Flat Finishing: This is a more descriptive term, focusing on the flatness achieved.

Flat Lapping vs. Hyprolapping

Hyprolapping is a specialized type of flat lapping. Hyprolapping is distinguished by its ability to achieve even tighter tolerances and superior surface finishes utilizing fine grit wheels spinning in orbital motion.

Here’s a table summarizing the key differences:

Alternative Surface Grinding (ASG) specializes in precision surface finishing services, including hyprolapping. ASG offers expertise in achieving tight tolerances and the absolute best possible flatness and surface finish. 

Both flat lapping and hyprolapping are ideal for components requiring: 

• Sealing surfaces
• Precise mating surfaces
• Bearing surfaces

Contact Alternative Surface Grinding when your parts call for tighter tolerances and superior surface finishes for the most demanding applications.  

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Light Band Measuring is a precise optical method used to measure the flatness of surfaces. It involves using a monochromatic light source and an optical flat to create interference patterns, which reveal minute variations in surface flatness.

Why is Light Band Measuring important?

Light Band Measuring is crucial for industries requiring extremely flat surfaces. It ensures components meet strict flatness tolerances, which is essential for proper functioning in high-precision applications such as aerospace, semiconductor manufacturing, and optical systems.

What types of parts typically require Light Band Measuring?

The method is typically used for:

• Precision gauge blocks
• Hydraulic Pumper
• Aerospace
• Sealing Surfaces
• Precision mechanical components

What is the typical flatness tolerance achieved?

Light Band Measuring can detect surface variations as small as a fraction of a wavelength of light, typically achieving flatness tolerances in the range of 0.5 to 2 light bands (approximately 0.00001 to 0.00004 inches).

How does Light Band Measuring compare to other flatness measurement methods?

It offers several advantages over other methods:

• Higher precision than mechanical methods
• Non-contact measurement, preventing surface damage
• Ability to measure entire surfaces quickly
• Visual representation of flatness variations
• Only method for 5 light bands or better

What equipment is used?

The primary equipment includes:

• Monochromatic light source (usually helium-neon laser)
• Optical flat (reference surface)
• Viewing screen or digital camera for capturing interference patterns

How long does the Light Band Measuring process take?

The actual measurement process is relatively quick, often taking only a few minutes. However, setup time, process refinement, and analysis may extend the total process to 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the part’s size and complexity.

Can Light Band Measuring be performed on-site, or does it require specialized facilities?

While Light Band Measuring can be performed on-site with portable equipment, it’s often conducted in specialized facilities, like Alternative Surface Grinding, to ensure optimal environmental conditions (temperature control, vibration isolation) for the most accurate results.

What information do I need to provide when requesting a quote?

When requesting a quote, provide:

• Part dimensions and material
• Required flatness tolerance
• Surface finish specifications
• Quantity of parts to be measured
• Any specific industry standards to be met
• Required documentation

Is Light Band Measuring suitable for all materials?

Light Band Measuring is suitable for most materials with reflective surfaces. However, it works best on:

• Metals
• Polished ceramics
• Glass
• Certain plastics with smooth surfaces

How does the surface finish of a part affect Light Band Measuring?

A smooth, reflective surface finish is ideal for Light Band Measuring. Rough or matte surfaces may scatter light and reduce measurement accuracy. Generally, a surface finish of 32 microinches or better is recommended for optimal results.

What’s the difference between Light Band Measuring and Light Band Flatness?

Light Band Measuring and Light Band Flatness are interchangeable terms referring to the same process. Other common names include:

• Optical flatness testing
• Interferometric flatness measurement
• Monochromatic light inspection

Can Light Band Measuring be used for curved surfaces?

No

What are common industries?

Industries that frequently use Light Band Measuring include:

• Aerospace and defense
• Semiconductor manufacturing
• Mechanical seals
• Optics and photonics
• Precision machining
• Metrology and calibration services
• Scientific research institutions

The post LIGHT BAND MEASURING FAQ appeared first on Alternative Surface Grinding.

The precision machining process uses two opposing abrasive wheels to simultaneously grind two sides of a component. This method ensures precise parallelism, flatness, and thickness control.

What are the main advantages of Double Disc Grinding?

Key benefits include:

• Enhanced precision and consistency
• Increased efficiency and throughput
• Cost-effectiveness
• Versatility across applications
• Reduced internal stress in workpieces
• Improved surface finishes
• Better part stability during secondary operations
• Best flatness and parallelism

What materials can be processed using Double Disc Grinding?

Double Disc Grinding can process a wide range of materials, including:

• Stainless steel
• Tool steels
• Sintered metals
• High-strength alloys
• Ferrous and non-ferrous metals
• Bronze
• Copper
• Aluminum
• Cast iron
• Plastic

What tight tolerances can be achieved with Double Disc Grinding?

We can achieve:

• Dimensional tolerances: ±0.0002″ (0.00508 mm)
• Parallelism: 0.0002″
• Flatness: 0.0002″

What surface finishes are possible with Double Disc Grinding?

• Up to 16 Ra on aluminum
• Up to 8 Ra on ferrous alloys

What are some types of parts that are commonly processed using Double Disc Grinding?

• Stampings
• Die castings
• Blankings
• Rings
• Valves
• Small metal parts

Is Double Disc Grinding suitable for small parts?

Yes, the process is appropriate for small parts. It is particularly cost-effective for thickness sizing of small parts such as fine blanked stamped, die cast, and sintered metal parts.

What is the minimum batch size for Double Disc Grinding?

No minimum

What information is needed to provide an accurate quote for Double Disc Grinding services?

• Material type and hardness
• Part dimensions and geometry
• Current surface finish and desired final surface finish
• Tolerance requirements
• Batch size
• Any special handling or cleaning requirements
• Deadline or turnaround time needs
• Amount of material to be removed (starting size)
• Packaging requirements
• Equal or partial stock removal
• Incoming flatness and parallelism

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