Dave Goetz, Corporate Application Engineer, Norton | Saint-Gobain Abrasives
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Many of us have used grinding wheels as part of our regular, daily work functions, but most of us don&#;t know why we use the wheel we do, or even if the wheel we are using the right one for the job.
There are many different types of abrasive grains, available in a whole range of grit sizes and held together by different bonding agents. How do we know which to use?
It's simpler than we might think. A grinding operation is a system, and as a whole, there are many parts to consider. One key component is the wheel. To determine where to start, consider the seven operational factors.
By taking each of these seven factors into consideration, it is possible to narrow the field down to a smaller list of options to start with for any grinding operation.
The first thing to consider when selecting a grinding wheel specification is what are we grinding? What is the material, and how hard is it? Is it easy to grind or difficult? By reviewing these elements, we can select the correct abrasive type, the grain&#;s attributes, the appropriate grit size, and bond type.
Knowing the properties of the material we are working with helps us select the proper abrasive grain and its attributes. By convention, we use aluminum oxide grains for grinding ferrous metals and silicon carbide for non-metals and non-ferrous metals. Ceramic and superabrasive grains can be used on either but generally under specific circumstances where the material being ground requires these types of grains or when we are looking to optimize process performance.
Once we know which grain type to start with, we can look at the material grindability. If the material is easy to grind, we will want to use a tough/durable grain. Since the material is easy to grind, the grain shouldn&#;t break down too soon or too easily, so the whole grain can be used to maximize wheel life. For materials that are hard to grind, we will want to use a mild/friable grain, which fractures more easily, stays sharper, and actually grinds the material.
For easy to grind materials, we would want a coarser grit. This is because the grain can easily penetrate the material, make and remove chips. Using a larger or coarser grit maximizes the stock removal, reducing cycle time.
Another aspect of the wheel we can dial in on based on the material being ground is the grade or hardness of the bond. If the material is considered easy to grind, we can use a harder grade, which ensures that the wheel doesn&#;t release the grain before it is consumed. Knowing that we want to use the abrasive grain for as long as we can, we want the bond to hold that grain in the wheel for as long as possible.
If the material is difficult or hard to grind and we use a blocky, tough, and durable grain, we run the risk of simply dulling the grain and opening the door to finish issues, such as burning, because the grain will rub and not grind.
The material being ground also helps us determine the grit size. For hard to grind materials, we would recommend a finer grit size because a smaller particle will penetrate hard materials and form a chip easier than a larger blockier one. Difficult or hard to grind materials are abusive to the abrasive grain and can cause them to blunt or dull. Since we need more sharp points to penetrate the material, we want to ensure the grains are being released before they become too dull and cause metallurgical damage. With hard materials, a softer grade should be used so that the material is constantly being exposed to sharp grains. The grade needs to be soft enough to release the dulled grains and keep exposing new sharper grains to the work.
Here we consider how much or how heavy the grinding pressure will be in the grind zone. The higher the grinding pressure or force per grain, the more severe the operation. It is operations like these where today&#;s ceramic and superabrasive grains do well. Much like the material we are grinding, severity of operation helps us determine the attributes of the abrasive grain.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of abrasive grinding wheel manufacturers. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
When creating intricate projects that require precision, you will need a quality CBN (cubic boron nitride) grinding wheel. To make sure you are getting a product that meets your needs and will stand up to the use that is required, you need to find the right CBN Grinding Wheel Manufacturers. Not all manufacturers are created equal, so be sure to do some research before choosing where you will purchase your next wheel. Keep the following tips in mind when you are making your decision.
When looking for a grinding wheel supplier, you&#;ll want to keep a few things in mind. Remember, your project and product need a wheel that will create a high-quality product and you need a supplier that will get you the wheel you need quickly and correctly, with no hassle.
Is the supplier certified?
Do they have satisfied customers?
What kind of reviews is the supplier getting?
Where do the grinding wheels come from?
Getting some simple answers before you buy will help save your time and money in the long run. Abrasive suppliers offer a wide variety of products for many different kinds of grinding applications. Choosing the wrong product can cost the supplier time and money. Choosing the wrong supplier will cost you even more time and money.
Now that you know where you are going to buy your next cubic boron nitride grinding wheel, you will need to know how to choose the right grinding wheel. To identify a quality grinding wheel, you should consider:
Are the abrasive grains distributed throughout the wheel?
What is the percentage of grain and bond? The percentages should be spaced throughout the wheel. The grains do the cutting while the bond holds the grain together.
What shape of wheel do I need? Most wheels come as a straight wheel. The grinding face is on the periphery of a straight wheel. Another variation of the straight wheel is the recessed wheel. The right grinding wheel supplier will have a knowledgeable customer service department that can assist you in finding the right wheel for your needs.
The grinding wheel is only one component of a well engineered machine. The wheel, work material, and the working function all combine to create the tool needed for your job. Buying Diamond grinding wheels for carbide takes some time and attention. Be sure to do the research needed before making the investment. Choose the grinding wheel that is best suited for you needs, while taking into account all the components of the process.
Get a custom quote from an experienced supplier of cutting and grinding products now.
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