Model SB1029 | O P E R A T I O N | For Machines Mfg. Since 8/09 |
Wheel Selection
Most grinding wheels from major manufacturers are marked in a somewhat uniform manner. Understanding these markings will help you understand the capabilities of various wheels. Always refer to the manufacturer’s grinding recommendations when selecting a wheel for your project.
The grinding wheel you choose will depend on several factors related to the operation you plan to perform. The hardness of the material you will be grinding and the surface finish you desire are the two primary factors to consider when selecting a grinding wheel.
An example of the basic format for wheel numbering is shown below. The wheel in this example is a "36A60LV".
Prefix Abrasive Grit Grade Bond | ||||
| Type | Size |
| Type |
36 | A | 60 | L | V |
The prefix is a
Use the charts below as a basic wheel selection outline for most grinding operations.
Abrasive Type
Abrasive | Application |
Type |
|
AAluminum Oxide: For grinding common steel.
WA | White Aluminum Oxide: For |
| grinding harder metals (heat |
| treated steel, carbon steel, alloy |
| steel, etc.). |
HFor grinding high speed steel.
CSilicon Carbide: For grinding cast iron and
CG | Ceramic Grain: For extremely hard |
| metals, such as tungsten carbide. |
Grit Size
The ideal grit for an operation depends on a number of considerations. Use the table below to choose a grit suitable for your desired results.
| Results | |
Operation | Coarse Grit | Fine Grit |
Consideration |
|
|
Material | Increased | Decreased |
Removal |
|
|
Surface Finish | Rough | Smooth |
Workpiece | Soft | Hard |
Hardness |
|
|
Width of Cut | Wide | Narrow |
Grade
The grade of a wheel is an indicator of its hardness based on an alphabetical scale in which A is the softest and Z is the hardest.
Wheel Hardness
Operation | Soft | Hard |
Consideration | ||
Workpiece | Hard | Soft |
Hardness |
|
|
Width of Cut | Wide | Narrow |
|
|
|
Feed Rate | Slow | Fast |
Wheel Speed | Fast | Slow |