In order to investigate the rounding process of high precision centerless grinding in time domain reliably and predictably, a virtual machine design approach is essential particularly towards 0.1-0.3 mu m roundness precision. The virtual machine system presented in this paper is developed through high-level integration of the machine characteristics, workpiece rounding mechanism and their intrinsic correlation. In this system, the primary elements affecting the workpiece roundness regeneration, including kinematics, dynamics and control of the machine, grinding dynamics and machining conditions, are integrated into the high precision virtual centerless grinding to render the rounding process, evaluate the machine performance and optimize grinding strategies accordingly. An application case study on virtual machining of the targeted workpiece roundness 0.1 mu m is provided to present the implementation perspectives of the virtual machine system for high precision centerless grinding.