When to Use Jig Grinding：A Deep Dive into This Critical Precision Machining Technology
In precision manufacturing, dimensional accuracy directly impacts the performance and lifespan of components. Jig grinding is a specialized machining method designed for high-precision holes, geometric tolerances, and reference surfaces, making it particularly suitable as a final finishing step after CNC or EDM. With jig grinding, engineers can achieve precision levels unattainable by other machining methods.
Key Applications of Jig Grinding
Jig grinding is especially effective for the following types of components：
- Mold guide pins and bushings
Requires extremely high coaxiality and fit accuracy. Jig grinding can achieve micron-level roundness and positional tolerances, ensuring stable mold assembly and preventing eccentricity.
- Precision holes in high-hardness materials
For materials such as hardened steel or powder high-speed steel (HSS), CNC machining alone may struggle to maintain dimensional accuracy. Jig grinding provides fine-tuning precision without compromising material hardness.
- Critical reference holes and locating surfaces in molds, jigs, or gauges
Often performed after heat treatment or EDM, jig grinding ensures overall assembly accuracy and correct positioning.
Why Choose Jig Grinding Over Other Machining Methods？
1. Ultra-High Precision Control
Jig grinding can achieve micron-level positional accuracy and roundness, making it ideal for tolerances of ±0.001–0.005 mm.
2. Capable of Machining High-Hardness Materials
Even after heat treatment, jig grinding maintains hole accuracy and surface quality without damaging material properties.
3. Repeatable and Traceable
When combined with high-precision measurement tools and experienced operators, every machining step can be documented and replicated, ensuring consistent quality for mass production.
Case Study：HRC60 High-Precision Mold Component
We recently assisted a client with HRC60 modular mold components. The workflow was as follows：
1. CNC Rough Machining：Reserve hole locations and rough dimensions
2. Heat Treatment：Enhance material hardness and wear resistance
3. Jig Grinding Finishing：Control hole diameter within ±1 μm to ensure mold lifespan and module interchangeability
This process not only improved final part accuracy but also ensured stability and durability during actual production.
Expert Recommendations：The Importance of Jig Grinding
- For components demanding high coaxiality, positioning accuracy, and geometric tolerances, jig grinding is indispensable.
- It is recommended as the final finishing step after heat treatment or EDM to ensure overall machining precision and assembly quality.
- Combined with high-precision measurement and skilled operation, jig grinding can eliminate accumulated errors, enhancing product reliability.
Jig grinding is more than just a machining operation—it is the critical step that determines whether a product achieves perfect fit and ultimate precision. In high-precision manufacturing, it is the best solution for zero-error components and maximum reliability.
