High-precision machining of complex, rotationally symmetrical components is often carried out by clamping between centers. Revolving conical tips are not suitable for maximum precision of less than 1µm due to the bearing dynamics. Therefore in high-precision machining applications only fixed tips are used. Here, the process forces are transferred directly to the tips – generally made of carbide – via the workpiece. In many applications, the contact chamfers are only a few tenths of a millimeter, meaning that large surface pressures lead to high friction and a fast wear rate.
High accuracies, especially in continuous operation, can only be achieved economically with PCD centers: their low friction compared to steel benefits the process behaviour and improves the shape, position and roundness of the workpieces.