The grinding of the stepped shaft (a), requires that the ends of the part be centerdrilled for grinding (In two setups). A split bushing added to the central portion in design (b) would be equivalent and allow centerless grinding. The most advantageous design, if permissible, is the one diameter shaft (c).

For centerless grinding, replacing the two diameter shaft (a) with a one-diameter shaft (b) with provision for the addition of a split retaining ring is advantageous, when possible (this permits one-setup centerless grinding).

In the case of a cylindrical shaft with a slot, the shaft needs to be machined (centerless ground) before the milling of the slot or keyway.

The grinding between centers of the cylindrical shaft with a thin-wail section (arising from the two-diameter bore) is difficult. Thin-walled tubing, on the other hand, can be centerless ground even with the two internal diameters.

Grinding journal seats on a shaft with two shoulders (a) is expensive. One shoulder, as in (b), Is preferable. Of course, clearance at both ends Is even more desirable.