Find out how your company too can benefit from Tyrolit’s solutions and expertise to successfully meet the challenges of modern metalworking. Tyrolit is the technology leader in the field of precision and freehand metalworking and is, for example, the inventor of the ultra-thin cutting disc and many other innovations.
Optimising the grinding process: How metalworkers can reduce costs and double tool life
Inefficient grinding processes cost metalworkers money: too frequent tool changes, high energy consumption, long cycle times. Drawing on five documented case studies, this practical report demonstrates the specific improvements that can be achieved through optimised grinding tools and process parameters – with measurable results from real-world applications in 2024.
Key facts at a glance
Switching to optimised grinding tools measurably reduces grinding costs in metalworking. Practical examples from 2024 show:
The key factors: tool selection (abrasive and bond), optimisation of machine parameters and longer service life reduce both changeover time and energy consumption.
Case study
Companies in the metalworking industry are currently facing enormous challenges. The constant need to reduce production costs whilst at the same time shortening process times and improving or maintaining product quality is putting many companies under considerable pressure.
A lack of efficiency in grinding and cutting processes often leads to unnecessary costs and extended production times – both of which can significantly impact cost-effectiveness.
Tyrolit, the largest specialist manufacturer of bonded grinding, cutting, drilling and dressing tools, fully understands these challenges and offers bespoke solutions that boost efficiency and cost-effectiveness in metalworking. With over 35,000 industrial customers worldwide and as a technology leader – for example, as the inventor of the ultra-thin cutting disc and many other innovations – Tyrolit continues to set new standards in the industry.

In 2024, customers achieved a 32% increase in cost-effectiveness by switching to Tyrolit tools – whilst maintaining the same high quality.
Off-hand grinding: increase the G-force by 30 per cent, reduce labour costs
30% increase in the G-value
A 20% reduction in staffing levels
Tool life increased by 35 per cent, process time reduced by 20 per cent
A 32% increase in cost-effectiveness
Solution: CERABOND X technology
The CERABOND X technology from Tyrolit sets new standards in freehand grinding. It offers an exceptional combination of high cutting performance, long service life and minimal thermal stress. Thanks to the self-sharpening ceramic grain, users achieve consistently high performance, which drastically reduces the number of disc changes.
At one of our customers, the use of CERABOND X grinding wheels led to a remarkable increase in productivity: The 30% increase in the G-value resulted in a noticeable improvement in efficiency, whilst the reduced thermal stress enhanced the quality of the workpieces. In addition, the longer tool life enabled a 20% reduction in labour requirements – a clear optimisation of operating costs. Overall, the customer benefited from a 32% increase in cost-effectiveness, which not only boosted machining efficiency but also provided a sustainable competitive advantage.

Peripheral grinding of indexable inserts: feed rate +25%, process time −25%
25% increase in feed rate
23% reduction in spindle power
Tool life increased by 30 per cent, process time reduced by 25 per cent
Cost-effectiveness increased by 20%
Solution: SOLOTEC technology
For the peripheral grinding of indexable inserts, Tyrolit relied on the innovative SOLOTEC technology, in order to significantly increase production efficiency. These grinding wheels enable precise surface finishing and have made it possible to increase the feed rate by an impressive 25 per cent – a crucial factor in reducing machining time. At the same time, the 23 per cent reduction in spindle power has led to energy savings without compromising the quality of the results.
Thanks to a 30 per cent increase in tool life and a 25 per cent reduction in process time, customers have benefited from a significant reduction in production costs. The overall 20 per cent improvement in cost-effectiveness demonstrates that the investment in SOLOTEC technology pays for itself quickly.

Optimising internal cylindrical grinding: increasing tool life eightfold
G-value increased by 22 per cent; capacity increased by
Cycle time reduced by 20 per cent
Capacity increased by 28 per cent
Tool life increased eightfold
Process cost savings of 28.3%
Solution: COLUMBIA range
The challenge with internal cylindrical grinding often involves striking a balance between precision and efficiency. By using ceramic grinding wheels from the COLUMBIA range Tyrolit succeeded in striking this balance perfectly. Customers recorded a 22% increase in the G-value, indicating a more efficient grinding process and reduced tool wear. The 20% reduction in cycle time led to a significant 28% increase in production capacity.
Most notable, however, was the eight-fold increase in tool life, which drastically reduced the frequency of tool changes. Overall, process savings of 28.3 per cent were achieved, which not only reduced costs but also optimised the entire production planning process.

External cylindrical grinding: cycle time −37%, capacity +58.5%
Grinding time reduced by 38 per cent
Cycle time reduced by 37 per cent
Capacity increased by 58.5 per cent
A 34% increase in cost-effectiveness
Solution: Ceramic grinding wheels for railway axles
The machining of railway axles places high demands on precision and efficiency. When external cylindrical grinding Tyrolit has achieved outstanding results in the machining of these components using its specially developed ceramic grinding wheels. The use of these wheels has reduced grinding time by 38 per cent and cycle time by 37 per cent – a significant improvement that has accelerated the entire production process.
This increased production capacity by 58.5 per cent, enabling the customer to process more orders in less time. These process optimisations resulted in a 34 per cent increase in cost-effectiveness, which secured the customer’s long-term success and established Tyrolit as a reliable partner for efficient metalworking.

Centreless grinding of solid carbide: spindle power −23%, cost-effectiveness +30%
Spindle power reduced by 23 per cent
Tool life increased by 32 per cent, process time reduced by 22 per cent
A 30% increase in cost-effectiveness
Solution: STARTEC CG
At centreless grinding By machining blanks made of solid carbide, Tyrolit demonstrated the performance of the STARTEC CG grinding wheels. The application of this technology enabled a significant reduction in spindle power of 23 per cent, resulting in remarkable energy savings. In addition, tool life was increased by 32 per cent, thereby extending the intervals between tool changes – a clear advantage in terms of production costs. Process time was also reduced by 22 per cent, leading to an overall 30 per cent increase in cost-effectiveness.
Thanks to the optimised surface quality and reduced energy consumption, this application demonstrates the significant added value that Tyrolit customers can achieve by using their highly specialised grinding solutions.

Challenges in metalworking

Increasing price pressure
Inefficient processes, particularly in grinding and cutting technology, can lead to significant delays in production. This is particularly critical in sectors with high production volumes and precise machining requirements.

Long process times
As well as price pressure, inefficient production processes contribute significantly to overall costs. Every additional step in the process and every inefficient tool increases the cost per unit produced and reduces the margin.

High production costs
In addition to price pressure, inefficient production processes contribute significantly to overall costs. Every additional step in the process and every inefficient tool increases the cost per unit produced and thus reduces the margin.

Quality assurance
Ensuring consistently high product quality whilst reducing costs is another major challenge. Grinding tools must not only be durable, but also precise and reliable in order to meet the stringent requirements of the end products.

Environmental and safety requirements
Stricter environmental regulations and safety standards require companies to operate not only efficiently, but also sustainably and safely. This applies in particular to the handling of abrasives and the use of machinery that consumes less energy and produces less waste.
Summary: What can be achieved through optimised grinding processes?
In 2024, by switching to metalworking tools, our customers achieved:
- 27 per cent increase in the G-value
- 15% increase in feed rate
- A 23% reduction in spindle power whilst maintaining the same feed rate
As a result, our customers achieved 100% compliance with customer requirements, whilst enjoying longer tool life, improved dimensional and profile accuracy, and higher operating speeds. For our customers, this resulted in: greater output with less input and a 32% increase in cost-effectiveness in metalworking.
Tyrolit is committed to developing innovative and customer-focused solutions for metalworking. With over 35,000 industrial customers worldwide and as the number one in terms of value for money, the company continues to set new standards.
Why Tyrolit?
- High-precision grinding technology:
Tyrolit develops innovative grinding solutions that are specifically tailored to demanding applications. They enable precise machining with consistently high quality and a longer service life. - Process optimisation and cost reduction:
By selecting the optimum grinding tool and fine-tuning the machine parameters, Tyrolit reduces manufacturing times and lowers production costs. - Sustainable production and resource conservation:
Tyrolit focuses on extending tool life and reducing waste materials, enabling resource-efficient and environmentally friendly production.

Conclusion
Rising production costs and inefficient grinding processes are putting a strain on companies in the metalworking sector.
Tyrolit offers you the opportunity to make your grinding and cutting processes more efficient and to boost your cost-effectiveness. Our advanced grinding technologies and bespoke solutions ensure longer tool life, shorter machining times and less wear – whilst maintaining consistently high quality.



