What makes one superabrasive grinding wheel better than another?

The right wheel can optimize parts per hour, reduce tool changes, increase machine uptime, improve product quality and lower operating costs.

What properties are important for superabrasive grinding wheels?

Hardness at elevated temperatures, high thermal conductivity to transfer heat away from the cutting edge, composition stability, wear resistance, lubricity and an ability to prevent plastic deformation.

How does grain shape affect superabrasive grinding wheel performance?

The blockier or rounder the abrasive particle, the less efficient it is for stock removal, but the better it is for form holding. Blocky particles are tougher, enduring higher grinding forces before breaking. Conversely, angular shapes are more aggressive and better able to penetrate and remove material. However, angular grains crack under lower forces.

What are the benefits of coating superabrasive grains?

One key benefit of coatings is that they texturize the diamond or CBN particle for better adherence to the bond of the wheel, whether that wheel is resin, vitrified, metal, a hybrid material or something else. The improvement in mechanical and chemical retention to the bond system fortifies wheel integrity.

What are common superabrasive coatings?

Nickel, copper and silver coatings are the most common superabrasive coatings. Nickel coatings are common in resinoid-bonded wheels. Copper coatings are the coating of choice for dry grinding applications. Silver is the coating of choice when using straight oil as a coolant.

What are the benefits of nickel superabrasive coatings?

Nickel coatings are common in resinoid-bonded wheels. Nickel coatings improve wheel life, surface finishes, heat dissipation properties and mechanical adherence to the bond matrix to maximize productivity.

What are the benefits of copper superabrasive coatings?

Copper coatings are the coating of choice for dry grinding applications due to copper’s aptitude for transferring heat away from the grind zone and its enhancement of mechanical and chemical grain retention to the bond system.

What are the benefits of silver superabrasive coatings?

Silver coatings are more expensive, but showcase the highest thermal conductivity of these three coating types, as well as improved grain retention and additional lubricity. Silver is the coating of choice when using straight oil as a coolant.