Do you know how diamond wheels are classified?
Diamond wheels are actually classified according to shape, concentration, bond, and grit size. These wheels are used in various grinding and abrasive machining operations. Consequently, diamond grinding wheels are used in grinding machines. In any machining or grinding process, it is always important to use the appropriate grinding wheel.
One of the most widely used grinding wheels today is the diamond and CBN wheels. These come in several types including resin, vitrified, metal, and electro-plated. The most common among these types is the resin wheels. These are used in most tool room and production applications. On the other hand, the vitrified and metal types are newer bond types and are used in specific applications. These are rare and are more expensive. Moreover, these are usually custom made order items. However, electro-plated wheels are typically found in cut-off wheels and low demanding abrasive grinding such as that for plastics.
It is very important to know the different types of diamond grinding wheels and their applications because each of these types is specifically used on specific applications only. Moreover, if you are not using the appropriate wheel type, grinding operations may not be done effectively. Thus, before embarking on any grinding operations, it is essential to determine the type of material to be worked on, and the type of grinding wheel as well.
Diamond and CBN grinding wheels are used in a variety of processes and materials. However, diamond wheels are used strictly on carbides while CBN is used on steels. In some cases though, there are some manufacturers that produce a special grit that can be used on both carbides and steels.
The three types of diamond grinding wheels that are available in the market are synthetic diamond, cubic boron nitride (CBN), and alumina-zirconia. Among these three types, the synthetic diamond is the hardest, while alumina-zirconia is the softest. In selecting the particular type of wheel, there are some important factors to consider.
First and foremost, it is essential to determine the hardness of the item you will be grinding. You should always remember that CBN is most advisable for iron or steel. If the metal is non ferrous though, and a large amount of metal must be removed, a synthetic diamond blade is the most appropriate wheel to use. For soft metals, alumina-zirconia should be used.
Second, look at the nomenclature plate on the grinding apparatus. The speed rating in meters per second is very important in ensuring that the bond of the diamond grit will not separate or disintegrate when used on the grinding apparatus.
Third, determine if the grilling will be done wet or dry. A wet diamond grinding wheel is used for precision cutting while a dry diamond grinding wheel is used for moderate grinding purposes.
Finally, select the coarseness of the wheel according to the amount of metal that will be removed. A coarse grit is most appropriate for fast cutting while a fine grit is used for a finish quality cut.