Guide to Selecting and Using Grinding Wheel for Grinding Machines: Improving Processing Efficiency and Safety

 

As the core tool for grinding, the performance of the grinding wheel for a grinding machine directly affects the processing quality and efficiency of workpieces. This article will systematically analyze the types, selection points, and usage specifications of grinding wheels to help users make scientific selections and operate safely.

 

I. Core Function and Composition of Grinding Wheels for Grinding Machines

The grinding wheel for a grinding machine is made of abrasive and binder through high - temperature sintering or chemical bonding, and achieves material removal through high - speed rotation. The characteristics of the grinding wheel depend on three major factors:

1. Abrasive type: It determines the cutting ability. Common abrasives include corundum (alumina), silicon carbide, cubic boron nitride (CBN), and diamond.

2. Grain size: Coarse - grained (20 - 60 mesh) is suitable for rough grinding, while fine - grained (80 - 120 mesh) is used for finish grinding.

3. Binder type: Ceramic, resin, or metal binders affect the strength and heat resistance of the grinding wheel.

 

II. Types of Grinding Wheels and Applicable Scenarios

1. Common Abrasive Grinding Wheels

- Corundum grinding wheel: It is suitable for grinding ferrous metals such as carbon steel and alloy steel, combining high cutting efficiency and wear resistance.

- Silicon carbide grinding wheel: It is specially used for processing non - metallic hard and brittle materials such as glass, stone, and ceramics.

 

2. Super - hard Abrasive Grinding Wheels

- CBN grinding wheel: For high - hardness metals such as quenched steel and high - speed steel, it can achieve high - precision and low - heat - damage grinding.

- Diamond grinding wheel: It is used for the ultra - precision machining of cemented carbide, semiconductor materials, and precision optical devices.

 

III. Key Elements for Scientific Selection

1. Matching the processing material:

- For ferrous metals, corundum grinding wheels are preferred, while for non - metallic hard and brittle materials, silicon carbide grinding wheels should be selected.

- For high - hardness alloys (such as titanium alloy), CBN or diamond grinding wheels are required.

2. Selection of grain size and hardness:

- For rough machining, a coarse - grained (e.g., 36 - mesh) grinding wheel should be selected, while for finish machining, a fine - grained (e.g., 100 - mesh) one is needed.

- The hardness of the grinding wheel should be complementary to that of the workpiece: use a soft grinding wheel for hard workpieces and a hard grinding wheel for soft workpieces.

3. Optimization of binder and structure:

- Resin - bonded grinding wheels have good toughness and are suitable for cutting and rough grinding; ceramic - bonded grinding wheels have high precision and are used for precision grinding.

- Porous - structured grinding wheels can reduce grinding heat and are suitable for easily deformable materials such as stainless steel.

 

IV. Safe Operation and Usage Skills

1. Inspection before installation:

- Visually check whether there are cracks or notches on the surface of the grinding wheel, and use a wooden mallet to tap it gently and listen to the sound to judge internal damage.

2. Standard operating procedures:

- Wear protective equipment: dust masks, goggles, and anti - vibration gloves.

- Adjust the rotating speed of the grinding wheel: strictly follow the maximum working linear speed calibrated on the grinding wheel (usually 35 - 50 m/s).

3. Control of grinding parameters:

- Feed rate: for rough grinding, the single - pass feed is 0.01 - 0.03 mm, and for finish grinding, it should be controlled within 0.005 mm.

- Use of coolant: Continuously pour coolant to reduce thermal deformation and extend the service life of the grinding wheel.

 

V. Maintenance and Common Mistakes

1. Regular dressing and balancing:

- Use a diamond pen to dress the surface of the grinding wheel to restore the sharpness of the cutting edge.

- Perform dynamic balance calibration every 8 hours of operation to avoid ripples on the machined surface caused by vibration.

2. Storage and environmental requirements:

- Grinding wheels should be stored in a dry environment. Resin - bonded grinding wheels need to be protected from moisture and oil.

- Avoid stacking or colliding to prevent edge damage.

3. Replacement standards:

- Replace the grinding wheel when its diameter is worn to 2/3 of the initial size, or stop the machine immediately for inspection if obvious vibration and noise occur.

 

Through scientific selection and standard operation, the grinding wheel for a grinding machine can significantly improve processing efficiency and the surface quality of workpieces, while ensuring operational safety. With technological progress, modern grinding machines have integrated intelligent control systems, which can achieve nanometer - scale resolution grinding and further promote the development of high - precision manufacturing.