Grinding wheels are wheels that contain abrasive compounds for grinding and abrasive machining operations. Such wheels are also used in grinding machines.
What is the process flow of the grinding wheel? Grinding is a machining process used to remove material from a workpiece by means of an abrasive wheel. As the grinding wheel turns, it cuts material from the workpiece, creating a smooth surface texture in the process. While grinding sounds simple, there are a few things you might not know about this machining process. Here’s some interesting information about grinding.
Some grinding wheels have diamond blades
You may find some grinding wheels with diamond blades. While diamond isn’t the hardest substance on Earth, it’s actually the hardest metal. Therefore, it is often used in cutting tools, including grinding wheels. With diamond blades, the grinding wheel can cut through almost any material, even hard metals.
Chip Control Lubrication
Lubricants in the form of oils (organic or synthetic) are applied to the grinding wheel to control chip formation. Without lubrication, excess material can build up in the form of swarf, which can affect the performance of the grinding wheel and thus the finished product. Of course, lubrication lubricates the grinding wheel by reducing friction, but it also holds the chips in place so that excess material can be removed more easily.
Grinders have been used for centuries
Grinders are not a new invention. They’ve been around for centuries, and some of the earliest grinders consisted of a pedal that turned a grinding wheel when depressed. Pedal grinders are rarely used today. Instead, most modern grinders are now powered by electricity. However, both pedal and electric grinders are designed to turn the grinding wheel to remove material from the workpiece.
It removes material approximately 0.25 to 0.50mm deep
Grinding is not particularly effective for removing large amounts of material from workpieces. In fact, workpieces have an average depth of 0.25 to 50 mm. Grinding’s main advantage over other cutting processes is its ability to produce smooth surfaces.
Grinder Coolant
Just like your car engine uses coolant to control temperature, so does a grinder. Because grinders spin at such high speeds, they generate a lot of heat when they contact the workpiece. The rotating grinding wheel rubs against the workpiece, generating heat. However, coolant is used to control and prevent heat buildup that could damage the workpiece or burn the worker performing the grinding operation.