grinding wheel is a wheel that contains abrasive compounds used for grinding and abrasive machining operations. These wheels are typically made from composite materials and are utilized in various grinding machines. There are different types of grinding wheels, each designed for specific applications, with unique functions and characteristics.Â
Types of Grinding Wheels
Grinding wheels come in various shapes and sizes, each designed for specific tasks. The choice of grinding wheel plays a pivotal role in achieving the desired surface finish, material removal rate, and overall machining performance. The various types are:
Straight Wheels
Straight wheels are among the most common and basic types of grinding wheels. They have a flat, parallel-sided shape and are used for surface grinding and cylindrical grinding. Straight wheels can remove material efficiently and leave a smooth finish on flat surfaces.
Cylinder Wheels
Cylinder wheels are similar to straight wheels but have a slightly curved profile. They are often used for grinding cylindrical surfaces, such as shafts and rods. The curved shape allows for better access to rounded workpieces.
Saucer Wheels
Saucer wheels, as the name suggests, have a saucer-like shape with a shallow, concave profile. These wheels are ideal for grinding on curved surfaces and can be used for tasks like sharpening tools and grinding contours.
Tapered Wheels
Tapered wheels have a conical shape, with the diameter of the wheel gradually decreasing from the back to the front. They are excellent for grinding tasks that require precision and control, such as grinding gear teeth or preparing workpiece edges.
Straight Cup Wheels
Straight cup wheels are characterized by their cylindrical cup-like shape with a straight, deep, and flat bottom. They are commonly used for sharpening and grinding cutting tools like drill bits and milling cutters.
Dish Cup Wheels
Dish cup wheels have a shallow, saucer-like shape with a deep, dish-shaped depression in the center. They are ideal for grinding on concave surfaces and for tool and cutter sharpening.
Diamond Wheels
Diamond grinding wheels use synthetic diamonds as abrasive grains. These wheels are exceptionally hard and are suitable for grinding materials like carbides, ceramics, and glass. They are used in precision grinding applications that require high accuracy and a fine surface finish.
Cut-Off Wheels
Cut-off wheels are thin, flat wheels designed for cutting rather than grinding. They are used for slicing through metal, pipes, and other materials quickly and efficiently. Cut-off wheels are commonly used in angle grinders and chop saws.