The word “ground” on a purchase order changes what you’re buying. A plain bar order is a request for material. A ground bar order is a request for a result: a specific diameter, held to a specific band, with a specific surface. When you request precision ground bar stock, specifying the required diameter, tolerance, and surface finish helps us understand your requirements.
We’re Advance Grinding Services in Bedford Park, near Chicago. Our carbon steel range includes 86L20, and centerless grinding is at the center of what we do. When you request grinding services for 86L20 carbon steel round bar, clear specifications help us understand the result you need and provide a useful reference for future orders.
Getting a Ground 86L20 Bar Order Right the First Time and Every Time After
86L20 is the leaded version of 8620 alloy steel. Its nickel, chromium, and molybdenum content supports applications requiring strength and toughness, while the lead addition improves machinability. When specifying 86L20, confirm that the complete grade designation and required material condition match your drawing before requesting grinding or other preparation services.
Treat the Order as a Description of the Finished Bar
Centerless grinding removes material from the outside of the bar to bring it to size. In our machines, the grinding wheel does the cutting and the regulating wheel controls how the bar feeds and turns, so the bar comes off the grinder with consistent roundness and a smooth surface finish.
The size on a ground bar order should identify the required finished ground diameter, not just the starting material size. When you specify the ground diameter clearly, we can review the dimensions you need without confusion about which measurement applies.
Write the Required Diameter Tolerance
A diameter with no tolerance attached isn’t something we can grind to. Neither is a tolerance written as “tight” or “precision.” Give us the nominal size and the band, and say whether the band is plus, minus, or both.
Our centerless grinding capabilities include tolerances as low as .0001″. Specify the tolerance required for your application rather than automatically requesting the tightest available tolerance. When you provide the required diameter and tolerance, we can review those details against our grinding capabilities. Your inspection team can then use the same documented requirements when checking the finished material.
Specify the Finish and Roundness Requirements
Two surface qualities come out of centerless grinding: finish and roundness. Both are worth putting on the order, but only at the level your part needs.
For finish, give us a number. We grind to micro finish as low as 8 RMS, so an RMS callout lines up with how we work. Our centerless grinding process supports consistent roundness by using a grinding wheel to remove material and a regulating wheel to control feed and rotation. If your part has a roundness requirement, put it on the order so we can review that requirement alongside your other specifications.
That matters most when the ground diameter is a working surface. Centerless grinding is commonly used for shafts, bearings, and other precision mechanical components, where the ground surface is often the one that fits, seals, or turns against something else.
Keep Specifications Consistent Across Repeat Orders
When you place repeat orders, using the same documented specifications can help keep requirements consistent between purchases. Rather than relying on a previous conversation or a shortened description, include the material and grinding requirements each time you submit an order.
Centerless grinding is efficient for high volume production, so repeat releases are a natural fit for the process. The spec has to repeat too. Once your first 86L20 order is quoted and confirmed, save the full description as a standing spec: grade, ground diameter and band, finish, roundness if required, length or cut length, and any added services such as straightening, chamfering, or bar packaging. Then reference that spec on every release, along with your previous quote or PO number.
Keeping a consistent specification gives us a clear reference for reviewing each repeat order.
Decide Whether You Need Ground Bar or Machined Parts
Some buyers order precision ground bar stock and machine it in their own shop. Others want the part itself. Both are reasonable, and they’re different orders.
If you plan to machine the ground bar yourself, the ground diameter and finish are the specs that matter most, and you may want the material cut to working lengths by our steel cutting services. If you’d rather have us do more, our custom machining services turn raw stock into custom dimensions and shapes. Say which path you’re on, so we’re quoting the right job.
Bring Us Your 86L20 Ground Bar Spec
If you’re placing your first order for ground 86L20 carbon steel round bar or preparing specifications for repeat purchases, send us your material and grinding requirements. At Advance Grinding Services, we provide centerless grinding and custom machining services. Share the required dimensions, tolerances, surface finish, and any additional processing needs so our team can review your request.
Submit it through our Request A Quote form, email sales@advancegrinding.com, or call (708) 442-7100 to reach our team in Bedford Park.
FAQs
Is 86L20 the same as 8620?
No. They’re separate grades in our carbon steel range. Order the grade your drawing calls out, and keep the “L” in 86L20 when the part number is copied into purchasing systems or travelers.
Is centerless grinding a good fit for repeat, high volume orders?
Yes. Centerless grinding is efficient for high volume production and delivers consistent roundness. To keep repeat releases consistent, reference the same full spec and your previous quote or PO number each time.
What should I include when submitting a repeat 86L20 ground bar order?
Include the complete material grade, required ground diameter, tolerance, surface finish, quantity, and any additional processing requirements. Referencing the same documented specifications helps us understand what you need for each order.
Can you machine ground 86L20 bar into finished shapes?
Our custom machining services turn raw metal stock into custom dimensions and shapes. If you need parts rather than ground bar, say so in your request and include the drawing.
