Summary The mechanism of the workpiece rounding action is undoubtedly one of the most critical processes affecting the system productivity and the ground component quality of industrial precision grinding systems. It is also perhaps, the least understood phenomenon and is, generally, the most difficult to troubleshoot and control in practice. The complexity of the work rounding process under the influence of numerous grinding variables is analyzed. The variables which are first identified as the system, process and set-up variables, are then grouped into four major factors based on the mechanism of influence of each on the work roundness. A computer simulation technique is presented as, perhaps, the only satisfactory means of troubleshooting and to ensure the use of operating conditions which would provide the low roundnesses required on precision centerless ground components in industry.