A grinding wheels is an abrasive cutting tool. An abrasive cup grinding wheel is a standard tool popular in many workshops and is highly versatile and convenient.
Grinding wheels have different characteristics, including hardness, grain size, and wheel bond. During selection, the shape and kind of material being cut matter, which might prompt you to opt for diamond grinding wheels. However, seeing as a grinding machine is often used in a workshop. Maintaining the overall performance of your grinding wheel is very important. This article offers insightful tips on keeping your wheels going, especially in the common diamond wheel grinding.
Table of Contents
(Grinding machine)
Nine tips for keeping your grinding wheels performing every time
Be properly trained
Grinding wheels possess high strength. At the same time, depending on the make of the material, they can also be brittle. It is, therefore, important that one handles them with great care and caution all the time.
Diamond grinding wheel manufacturers usually include a manual with every purchase. You should read through this. Who knows how to care for the wheel better than the person who made it?
If it’s your first time acquiring a grinding machine or perhaps you changed machines, you should still take time out to read the manual and probably watch videos too. If you’re an employer or a supervisor, ensure every team member is also familiar with the manual. Trained personnel are aware of the dos and don’ts for guaranteeing high performance. Proper training can prevent costly mistakes that might shorten the life span of your wheels.
(A grinding machine up close)
Carry out a thorough inspection
Inspecting your grinding discs is vital to ensure their integrity before use. Carry out reviews regularly in diamond wheels grinding or as indicated in the wheel’s manual. Steps you should take during an inspection of the disc using the ring test are:
- Ensuring the wheel is free of dust or any material that could dampen sound.
- You must Suspend the wheel on a shaft or hard surface.
- You must Tap the disc at a 45-degree angle, to an imaginary vertical line in the center of the grinding disc, on each side.
- You must Repeat the experiment with the top at the bottom.
- The presence of dead sound at any point indicates a crack and makes the wheel unsuitable for use. For optimal performance and safety, do not use a cracked wheel.
(Diamond grinding discs)
Use a wheel that fits
It is essential to use a fit disc to prevent pieces from flying off and causing injuries. Not only does a fit wheel ensure worker safety, but it also provides smooth operation. An unfit diamond cup wheel grinding disc can be a dangerous work hazard.
Ensure you inspect all parts of the wheel and the machine before you begin working. You should also use mounting blotters if provided. Your mounting flanges must equal or exceed a third of your wheel’s diameter.
In addition to this, it’s vital to ensure your grinder guards are properly secured. They typically only expose about a quarter of your entire wheel’s diameter when adequately secured. Your grinder guards should cover essential parts like the spindle, the end nut, and the flanges.
(Abrasive grinding discs)
Use wheel-specific materials
There are several types of discs for cutting different materials. It would do you a lot of good to know which wheel is best for which metal. Diamond grinding wheels for carbide are a good choice for grinding hard materials. Cylinder or wheel rings are more useful in the production of flat surfaces. At the same time, straight wheels are a better fit for cylindrical and centerless operations.
There are many other examples. Using the best wheel designed for a particular material does the job correctly. It preserves the productivity of the wheel. Also, it prevents damage to your disc or equipment. Note that your technique would have to change depending on the material you’re cutting.
(Diamond grinding wheels for carbide)
True and dress your wheels
Although abrasive cup grinding wheels possess a certain degree of self-sharpening, there are still external measures that you can use to help them maintain their edge and sharpness. The essence of truing your grinding wheels is to maintain their alignment. Truing your wheels gives you an even surface for measuring and grinding. Your wheel needs truing if your grinding surface and table aren’t aligned.
After completing this, you can also proceed to dress your wheel. Dressing a wheel involves removing a layer of abrasive so a new and sharp one is exposed. These two processes help you maintain the integrity of your diamond surface grinding wheels. Not only does it improve the quality of your work, but It’s also a pocket-friendly way to help your wheels last longer.
(Grinding wheels in action)
Keep consistent pressure while grinding
Keeping constant pressure might be a bit of a challenge, as one tends to naturally change pressure over time. But it’s essential to maintain the right amount of tension throughout the job.
In using diamond grinding wheels for carbide, the force should be enough to allow the disc grains to do all the work. You don’t want to press down too excessively or too lightly. Too hard, and you risk the disc overheating very quickly. The material will bounce off the wheel if the pressure is too light. It would be best to utilize a technique that allows you to apply the right pressure while cutting in every direction.
Ensure the wheels are running at the operating speed
It might be tempting to crank up the speed of your machine. After all, it’s a surefire way to finish the job quickly and move on, especially if you have a lot of work. But before you hit the accelerator on your machine, increase your wheel’s revolutions. Read your manual first. Diamond grinding wheel manufacturers often include this in their guide. It’s usually indicated within these manuals the maximum speed that the wheel can accommodate.
Most grinding wheels’ maximum speed is often between 5000 to 6500 feet per minute. Don’t run a motor at 8000 rpm; its maximum is 5500 rpm. You’re just asking for trouble. Many things could go wrong when you push a wheel beyond its limit. Not only could you damage the wheel, but you could also shatter within minutes of use. So, to avoid exposing yourself and others to the hazard of a damaged or shattered disc, maintain the stated operating speed.
(Grinding wheels operating at optimum speed)
Handle and store your wheels with care
Your grinding wheel is one of the most critical parts of your grinding machine. Storing your abrasive wheels properly after use protects them from elements that could cause early wear and tear. Treating your wheels with care also protects them from damage.
Compromised diamond grinding wheels can be dangerous and last much shorter than one with adequate supervision. Carefully read the manual to become acquainted with the best place and temperature to store your wheels. Avoid dropping the wheels carelessly, and ensure the grinding wheel is secure before working.
(A grinding wheel handled with care)
Ensure your work area is clean and safe
All workspaces require cleanliness and safety to provide efficient comfort and productivity. Workspaces dealing with heavy machinery are no exception. A clean and safe environment minimizes the risk of damage and injury to personnel and equipment.
Keeping your work area tidy means things are stored properly. Neat areas ensure materials are easy to locate when you require them. It also involves removing potentially hazardous bi-products of your grinding. It includes pieces of metal, dust, and other materials that might cause trips or falls. A tidy work area is attractive to customers and employees, reduces the risk of harm, and makes your work more efficient.
(A clean and tidy worship store)
Summary
Grinding wheels are an integral part of the grinding machine. The machine is, in turn, important in several cutting projects, and maintaining its components is essential. To improve the performance of your wheels and save yourself from work disasters, you should adhere to the tips.
All these tips should help you maximize your wheels’ productivity and life span. However, they are most beneficial when you have premium gear. For the best diamond surface grinding wheels and more, NC cutting tools should be your first choice.
