How to Select Grinding Wheels

    Grinding wheels are tools that are used in grinding machines to perform many different abrasive cuttings. They are made in a circular shape from a matrix of coarse particles that are compressed together. This tool is used to cut different materials, such as stainless steel, metal, concrete, pipeline applications and asphalt. Consider all the necessary factors to select the right grinding wheel with confidence for the job at hand.

 

Instructions

1

Determine the type of material that you will be using with your grinding wheel. This will help you determine the type of abrasive you need when making your selection. Choose aluminum oxide abrasives if you are grinding ferrous metals and steels. Silicon carbide abrasives are best used when grinding non-ferrous metals, non-metallic materials and cast iron.

2

Consider the grade of the grinding wheel depending on the hardness of the material. Choose a harder wheel grade when grinding softer materials. Hard materials usually dull the grinding wheel much faster.

3

Look at the speed when selecting a grinding wheel. If the speed is too slow, it can affect productivity and wastage of abrasive. If the speed is too fast, it may cause a hard grinding action. For example, when grinding a crankshaft, you should use a speed of 36 to 60 meters per second; rubber and shellac require a speed of 45 to 80 meters per second.