Abrasive Wheels
When working with materials such as metal, concrete, and stone, you need powerful abrasive tools to not only cut through them, but polish them to a smooth finish. In order to accomplish such a feat, abrasive wheels are needed. Just about all abrasive wheels are meant for grinders. These wheels have thousand of abrasive grains, which work much like the teeth of a saw to cut away material. Bonding holds the grains together and supports the wheel as it cuts.
Material and Characteristics
Abrasive wheels are made out of different grains, or materials. The type of material you purchase depends on the hardness of the material you are cutting. Each material is different in terms of strength, fracture toughness, and resistance to impact. The grain size ranges from 8, the coarsest, to 600, the finest. A coarse grain size will allow for faster cutting but poor surface finish.
* '''Aluminum oxide''' is the most common material used because of its hardness and strength. It can grind carbon steel, alloy steel, wrought iron, and bronze.
* '''Zirconia alumina''' is a combination of aluminum oxide and zirconium oxide. It's very tough and durable. This wheel is used mostly on cut-off applications and works best on most types of steel and steel alloy.
* '''Silicon carbide''' is used on iron, brass, soft bronze, aluminum, stone, and rubber.
* '''Diamond wheels''' are the strongest and most durable. They can cut through anything, include concrete.
You will also notice wheel grade mentioned on abrasive wheels. This refers to the bond used. A is the softest while Z is the hardest. A hard wheel is used for long-term jobs or jobs with small areas of contact. Soft wheels are better for rapid removal and for harder materials. The type of bond can also affect the finish.
* '''Vitrified bonds''' are very strong and porous. They are also the most common and can remove material at high rates.
* '''Resinoid bonds''' are an organic substance that can operate at high speeds. They are good for rapid removal and better finishing.
* '''Rubber bonds''' are used when a high quality finish is needed.
Types of Wheels
If choosing the material, grain size, and bond weren't hard enough, now you have to choose a type of abrasive wheel. Naturally, each type works better for certain jobs. If you work in construction though, you'll most likely own all of these.
* '''Cut-off''': Designed for fast cutting and used mainly on angle grinders.
* '''Flap''': Also used on angle grinders and good for working on small areas.
* '''Cylinder''': Can only be used for horizontal or vertical spindle grinders.
* '''Straight''': The most common wheel used on bench and pedestal grinders. They can only be used on the perimeter of materials and produce a slight concave surface.
* '''Dish Cup''': The shallow cup allows it to be used in crevices and slots.
Top Sellers
Related Guides
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Abrasive and Finishing Products
*
Abrasive Discs
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Sanders
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Power Grinders
*
Metal Grinding Wheels
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