Abrasive Grinding Wheel : Uses, Types & Benefits

(Last Updated On: January 7, 2023)

Abrasive Grinding Wheel: How Does It Work?

What is Abrasive Wheel / Grinding Wheel

The first thing we need to know is what are Abrasive Wheels?

They are kind of powered wheels used in grinder machines in workshops. Abrasive Wheel is made of small abrasive particles like that of grit.

Grit or similar particles are used to make them stick together by a special bonding material to form wheel structures of different thickness.

To get a more clear understanding of the definition, the following points are given:

1. The size of the grit
2. Bonding of Coating Material
3. The abrasive material used
4. The grade of the wheel
5. Last, the structure of the wheel

The capability of an abrasive wheel is determined by the kind of abrasive material used in making the wheel. The hardness, toughness, and ability to cut sharp edges are also determined by the abrasive material used. The bonding or coating material which is used to determine the structure and shape integrity of the wheel in use.

The bonding material should be of such quality it can resist friction, shock, high temperatures and other such forces that might lead to damage to the wheel. Other features of an abrasive wheel are:

The Wheel Structure Defines The Spacing Between Bonding Material And Abrasive Material And The Grade To Be Used.

The grade is determined by scaling the strength of the bonding material in keeping the abrasive particles when in use.

Two types of abrasive materials (soft and hard) are used in this procedure. Soft abrasive wheels are used on hard materials, and hard abrasive wheels are used on soft materials. The abrasive wheels are selected according to the following specifications:

1. The speed of the spindle machine.
2. Surface modification.
3. Area of contact between the wheel and the material
4. The machine used.
5. The state of the wheel.

Applications of Abrasive Grinding Wheels:

Grinding wheels use an abrasive material for various cutting and grinding purposes, are called abrasive wheels.  It uses these wheels for cutting and grinding various metal and other workpieces in a workshop. It also uses these wheels to cut and shape complex workpiece.

The usage of abrasive wheels is more in demand these days because they are more accurate than other types of grinding machines. Also important to note are the two types of abrasives used. These are:

1. Silicon Carbide: This is sharp and hard and it can be brittle. It should use this only in grinding of low tensile strength materials such as grey cast iron, chilled iron, bronze, aluminum, copper, and brass.
2. Aluminum Oxide:- This is slightly softer than Silicon Carbide but much tougher. It should be in cutting and grinding high tensile strength materials like alloy steel, malleable iron, bronze, etc.

Types of Abrasive Wheel:

Based on requirement and need, there are different grinding wheels used in different machining processes in workshops. It uses a mainly abrasive grinding wheel to cut diamonds, metallic equipment, etc. The following are various types of abrasive wheels:

1. Straight Grinding Wheels: Straight wheels are the most common mode of the wheel that is found on the pedestal or bench grinders. This is also widely used for centerless and cylindrical surface grinding operations.
2. Cylinder or Wheel Ring: This kind of wheel doesn’t have a center mounting support, but it has a long and wide surface. They are mainly used in horizontal or vertical spindle grinders for producing flat surfaces. Further grinding can be done with the end face of the wheel.
3. Tapered Grinding Wheels: A tapered Grinding wheel is a straight wheel that tapers externally towards the midpoint of the wheel. A straight wheel with a tapered wheel is generally used for gear teeth, grinding thread, etc.
4. Straight Cup: This straight cup wheel is used as an option for cup wheels in cutters and tool grinders. As it has an extra, surface and grinding are most favorable.
5. Dish Cup: They use this type of wheel in jug grinding and cutter grinding. It only cuts in crevices and slots as it has a very thin cup-style grinding.
6. Saucer Grinding Wheels: Saucer Grinding wheels are used for grinding twist drills and milling cutters. This is particularly in demand in non-machining areas as the saw filers are used by saucer wheels to maintain saw blades.

What all to consider before using Abrasive Wheels:

Before using a grinder, there are a few things; it should consider which. These factors are:

1. Speed Rating: The running speed of a grinder should always be checked from that of a wheel. As the grinders running speed should never be more than the wheel’s maximum speed ass, it may cause damage to the wheel.
2. Abrasive Wheels Course: It is better to be well versed in the knowledge of abrasive wheels handling the environment.
3. Wheel Integrity: Every wheel should be checked properly before making it operational.
4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): The safety of the individual is of foremost concern, so the individual has to wear protective goggles and safety mask when the machine is in use.

Abrasive Grinding Wheel Benefits:

By grinding, we understand it as the usage of solid abrasive wheels to shape or finish a particular material. The main benefits of using abrasive wheels are:

• It can cut hardened steel.
• It can produce smooth finishes.
• The time taken is less.
• It can maintain accuracy in each case.
• It requires very little pressure.
• These grinding machines are aptly suited for cutting high-quality alloy steels.
• Increased Grinding productivity.

Final Thought about Grinding Wheel

Usage of Abrasive wheel gives more accuracy and smoother shapes and is much in demand these days as compared to other grinding machines.