Metal cutting and grinding is a critical part of many fabrication and fabrication operations, but common challenges can cost time and money, and pose safety risks. There are many abrasive cutting wheel 4 inch and grinding disc available to help get the job done correctly and safely. Knowing how to choose the right abrasive for the job and following some key best practices can help operators overcome many of the common problems they encounter.
Read about the top 3 challenges of cutting and grinding and get tips on how to solve them.
- Using The Wrong Abrasive
When an operator uses the wrong abrasive for a job, it’s usually because it’s the product that’s been used in the operation. They may not know there are better options. Using the wrong cutting wheel for metal can affect productivity and efficiency, and increase safety concerns. If operators “reluctantly” use the wrong product, they may modify their technique or product to get the results they want, but this is risky. For example, if the operator chipped the wheel to improve performance, it could cause the wheel to break and create a safety hazard.
There are many types of abrasive products available in different styles and sizes. Not all grinding or cut off wheel disc are suitable for every job; some are designed for specific applications or materials. Understanding the differences between abrasives and what they are designed for can go a long way in solving performance problems and optimizing efficiency. When choosing an abrasive, the application, material type, space constraints, tools used and available power should be considered. For example, on a right angle grinder, never use a wheel that does not fit under the tool guard, which will cause the user to remove the guard to install it on the tool. Also, always make sure that the product’s speed rating meets or exceeds the tool’s speed rating. Do not use a stone cutting discs for “sharpening,” a common term for light grinding or deburring with a cut-off wheel.
- The Product Does Not Match The Material
Three materials commonly used in fabrication and fabrication are carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. Stainless steel and aluminum generally present more challenges for cutting and grinding. When cutting or grinding these materials, it is important to avoid cross-contamination. Look for contamination-free ceramic tile cutting wheel for angle grinder
designed for stainless steel or aluminum, and do not use products previously used for steel on these materials. Even if the product itself is designed for a specific material, doing so can introduce contaminants and cause surface rust.
Also note that excess heat build-up during grinding can cause thermal discoloration on stainless steel, which may require grinding or require expensive secondary operations. Another common challenge is aluminum, which has a lower melting point than steel. It may stick to the abrasive during grinding or cutting. To avoid this, choose a cut off wheel disc marked specifically designed for aluminum. Not only will this abrasive be free of contaminants, but it will also be formulated to help remove loads that often cause operators to want to press harder, which reduces efficiency.
- Reaching Hard-To-Reach Welds Or Spaces
Whether grinding butt or fillet welds in restricted areas, different weld types and space constraints present different cutting and grinding challenges. Butt welding is generally easier with abrasives on welded joints if there are no space constraints. However, this becomes more challenging if there are obstacles or pressing areas to address. Fillet welds can be more challenging because the joints are usually 90 degree angles. Many abrasive products don’t fit in this space, or if they do, they won’t work effectively. The grit size of the 9 inch cut off wheel is also a factor to be considered. For the grinding of fillet welds, look for products with curvature, such as wings specially designed for fillet welds or a Type 16 grinding cone sized to fit the space. These types of smaller abrasives—cones, plugs, mixing discs, small diameter cut-off wheels, or micro-baffle discs—can also be used to cut and grind in hard-to-reach spaces. Available space also affects tool selection. In many cases, right-angle grinders don’t work well with tight corners, so a straight-die grinder or a cutting tool with an abrasive may be a better choice. For speed and efficiency, a good rule of thumb is to generally use the largest wholesale abrasive cutting disc and tool available to get the job done space efficiently.
- Solve Cutting And Grinding Problems
Change can be difficult. But considering whether cutting and grinding abrasives are suitable for the job is often the first step in troubleshooting common challenges and problems in metal finishing. Using abrasives designed for material type and thickness and application requirements can help save time and money in cutting and grinding. Contact cutting off wheel supplier- Binictools for wholesale abrasive cutting disc