6 Things to Consider When Choosing a Grinding Wheel

Are you looking to buy a new grinding wheel? Consisting of a disc-shaped piece of abrasive material, grinding wheels are commonly used in machining operations. You can install them on a machine, such as a sander, after which you can use them to remove the top layer of a workpiece. As the grinding wheel rotates, it will grind down the workpiece. There are several things you need to consider, though, when choosing a grinding wheel.

#1) Grain Size

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a grinding wheel is the grain size. Some grinding wheels feature a coarse grain, whereas others feature a fine grain. The grain size represents the coarseness or fineness of the grain. It can range from 10, which is the coarsest, to 600, which is the finest.

#2) Material

Grinding wheels are available in different materials. They all feature an abrasive material, but some of them are designed with a different material than others. There are aluminum oxide grinding wheels, for instance, and there are ceramic and silicon carbide grinding wheels. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages.

#3) Grain Spacing

In addition to the grain size, you should consider the grain spacing when choosing a grinding wheel. As the name suggests, this represents the distance between the individual grains. Some grinding wheels feature a closer grain spacing than others. A close grain spacing means the grains are very close together.

#4) Type

Something else to consider when choosing a grinding wheel is the type. All grinding wheels consist of a disc-shaped piece of material, but you can still find them in different types. Common types include straight wheel, cylinder, straight cup, dish cup and tapered wheel. You'll need to choose a grinding wheel of an appropriate type for the machine with which you intend to use it.

#5) Hardness

How hard is the grinding wheel? You can't ignore hardness when choosing a grinding wheel. If it's too soft, it may not hold up. Soft grinding wheels quickly wear down, in which case you'll have to replace them frequently.

#6) Max Speed Rating

Don't foregt to consider the maximum speed rating when choosing a grinding wheel. Grinding wheels are designed to rotate during use. The maximum speed rating refers to the fastest speed at which the grinding wheel can safely rotate. Exceeding the maximum speed rating may result in equipment damage or bodily injury.