Powertrain Industry | 3M Precision Grinding and Finishing

Powertrain components are complex and varied, and often require multiple abrasive process steps. That’s why 3M offers a full portfolio of precision abrasives for grinding and finishing the many substrates found in these systems. Whether you’re manufacturing turbochargers or grinding transmission gears, there’s a go-to 3M abrasive solution to help you get the job done right.

Explore 3M solutions for the powertrain industry
  • Automotive powertrain diagram with tires and frame
Engine Block – Milling
Diamond grinding wheel fluting a cutting tool

3M™ Hybrid Diamond Grinding Wheel 6PHU uses an innovative hybrid bond for high-performance fluting of tungsten carbide. Tungsten carbide endmills are widely used in the milling of engine blocks.

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Crankshaft Mains and Pins – Cyl. OD Grinding
Automotive crankshaft

3M Vitrified CBN Superabrasives excel in outside diameter grinding of crankshaft mains and pins. These high-performance grinding wheels offer improved productivity over conventional grinding wheels.

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Valve Lifters – Cyl. ID Grinding
CBN grinding wheel held between two fingers

3D printed superabrasives represent a breakthrough in inside diameter grinding. 3M™ Precision Structured CBN Grinding Wheels can shorten cycle time and increase productivity when grinding valve lifters.

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Fuel Injector Components – Cyl. ID Grinding
CBN grinding wheel attached to tool

Digital modeling and 3D printing allow 3M™ Precision Structured Vitrified CBN Grinding Wheels to be customized with unique surface slots and integrated cooling holes for higher performance in ID grinding.

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U Joints – Cyl. ID Grinding
Dressing of CBN grinding wheel

3M™ Precision Structured CBN Grinding Wheels are custom designed for the most complex internal diameter grinding applications – including U joints.

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Drivetrain – Gear Grinding
Two toothed gears

Gear grinding requires high precision, so choosing the right grinding wheel is essential. 3M™ Cubitron™ II Grinding Wheels feature 3M Precision-Shaped Grain for high-performance gear grinding.

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Turbochargers – Cyl. ID Grinding
3D printed CBN grinding wheels

Discover new dimensions of grinding performance and process stability by using 3M™ Precision Structured Vitrified CBN Grinding Wheels for cylindrical grinding of turbochargers.

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Spindle Bearings – Cyl. and Centerless Grinding
Automotive spindle bearing

The 3M Abrasives portfolio features multiple solutions for cylindrical and centerless grinding of spindle bearings, including conventional abrasives and vitrified CBN wheels.

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  • Automotive crankshaft and threaded grinding wheel
    Featured Applications

    3M offers solutions for many applications in precision grinding and microfinishing of powertrain components:
     

    • Gear grinding
    • Camshaft and crankshaft grinding
    • Cylindrical grinding
    • Centerless grinding
    • Microfinishing
  • 3D printed CBN grinding wheel
    Featured Technologies

    3M serves the powertrain industry with both conventional and superabrasive offerings in various forms. Our core technologies include:
     

    • Cubic boron nitride (CBN) superabrasives
    • Diamond superabrasives
    • Ceramic 3M Precision-Shaped Grain

Titanium and steel gears
Contact Us.

If you’re curious about custom superabrasives solutions, we can help. Call 1-866-279-1235 and our precision grinding and finishing experts can get you what you need.

If you’re curious about custom superabrasives solutions, we can help. Call 1-866-279-1235 and our precision grinding and finishing experts can get you what you need.