Understanding your diamond abrasive wheels labels is crucial to selecting the right wheel, or replicating a current wheel. Commonly used in industries including tool manufacturing, wafers, tube cutting, and many other applications, abrasive wheels require varying specifications for different applications.
To help you better understand your wheel label, Eagle Superabrasives has created the following helpful guide:
Shape:
The first thing you will see on an ESA wheel label is the shape of the abrasive wheel. The shape is typically based on the FEPA (Federation of European Producers of abrasives) standard shapes guide, while custom shapes are available.
Size: The next portion of our labels includes information about the wheel's diameter, thickness, and bore size. In the example above, the label reads 6" x 0.035" x 1-1/4" which can be interpreted as follows: the wheel has a 6-inch diameter, an overall thickness of 0.035-inch, and a 1-1/4" inch diameter bore. Metric wheel dimensions are formatted the same.
Section: Following the wheel dimensions will be a second set of dimensions, denoting the abrasive section. In the example above, the abrasive section of the wheel can be measured as 0.035" wide x 1/4" deep.
Abrasive/Grit: On Eagle’s labels, the abrasive type is indicated by a D for Diamond or B for CBN, followed by the grit size. The grit size refers to the size of the abrasive particles embedded in the wheel. It determines the coarseness or fineness of the wheel and affects the quality of the finished surface. The grit size is indicated by a number, such as 80, 120, or 220. Smaller numbers indicate a coarser grit, while larger numbers indicate a finer grit. In the example above, D120 indicates a wheel with a 120-grit diamond abrasive.
Concentration: The concentration refers to the amount of abrasive particles present in the wheel's bond. It is denoted by a percentage, where higher concentration indicates more abrasive particles, resulting in increased cutting efficiency and longer wheel life. Typical concentration levels range from 25% to 125%. The example above, C100, shows a C to denote concentration measurement, at 100%.
Other features you may want to consider when getting a quote for your wheel include:
Bond Type: Though not always mentioned on the label, diamond and CBN wheels have different bond types, influencing their hardness and suitability for specific materials. Common bond types include metal, resin, and vitrified, and labels often specify the bond type to indicate compatibility with certain materials.
Operating Speed: Superabrasive wheels have a maximum operating speed, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). Exceeding this speed can lead to wheel failure and safety hazards. This is why it is always important to ensure that the wheel's maximum speed rating matches or exceeds the speed of your equipment.
Safety should always be a top priority when working with superabrasive wheels. It's essential to consult the manufacturer's guidelines and safety instructions for the specific wheel you're using. Additionally, consider your project's requirements and seek expert advice if necessary.