How to Select Diamond Grinding Wheels for Different Materials: Grit, Bond, and Concentration
American Based Manufacturer
Established in 1990
Custom manufacturing
Quick answer: match the abrasive to the material (diamond for hard non-ferrous materials, CBN first for hardened steel), choose grit for the finish and removal target, choose the bond for the process and machine, treat concentration as a convention-dependent specification rather than a life rating, then qualify the wheel on cost per acceptable part.
Selecting a diamond grinding wheel requires more than matching the abrasive to the workpiece material. Grit size, bond system, diamond concentration, wheel geometry, machine capability, and grinding conditions all influence material removal, surface finish, subsurface damage, wheel wear, and cost per acceptable part.
A wheel that performs well on tungsten carbide may not be the best choice for silicon nitride, sapphire, fused silica, or a composite material. Even when two applications use the same abrasive type, differences in wheel specification and operating conditions can produce substantially different results.
This guide explains how engineers can evaluate diamond grinding wheels by material, select an appropriate starting grit and bond, understand concentration ratings, and qualify a wheel under actual production conditions.
The objective is not to identify one universally best wheel. It is to establish a technically defensible starting specification and a repeatable process for selecting the right wheel for the application.
Start With the Workpiece Material and Grinding Operation
Before specifying a wheel, document the workpiece material, grinding operation, required finish, dimensional tolerances, and production target. Material name alone is not enough to determine the correct specification.
For example, surface grinding a ceramic component and grinding a precision profile into the same ceramic may require different wheel geometries, abrasive sizes, bond characteristics, and dressing strategies.
Initial wheel-selection guide by material
Important: Diamond is widely used for grinding hard, non-ferrous materials, including carbide, ceramics, glass, sapphire, and quartz. For hardened ferrous materials, cubic boron nitride (CBN) is often the more appropriate starting point because diamond can undergo unfavorable chemical interactions with iron-based materials under grinding conditions.
This table is an initial screening guide, not a guaranteed wheel specification. The final combination must be validated for the actual workpiece and machine.
Ferrous and nickel-base materials UKAM lists for CBN wheels
UKAM’s wheel guidance lists the following groups as typical CBN applications. For background on the abrasive itself, see UKAM’s CBN grinding wheel guide.
Select the Diamond Grit Size
Grit size influences the balance between material removal, surface finish, edge quality, grinding forces, and sensitivity to subsurface damage. See also how grit size influences cutting speed, finish and tool life.
A coarse abrasive can support higher material removal in suitable conditions, but it may leave a rougher surface or increase chipping on brittle materials. A finer abrasive can improve finish, but it may reduce removal rate and become more sensitive to loading or glazing if the bond and operating conditions are unsuitable.
Neither coarse nor fine grit is universally better. The correct choice depends on the stock allowance, required finish, material behavior, and the intended grinding stage.
Mesh size versus micron size
Diamond abrasives are specified using different grading systems, including mesh-based designations and micron ranges.
- Mesh designation: In a conventional sieve-based system, a higher mesh number generally corresponds to smaller abrasive particles.
- Micron designation: A larger particle-size value in microns indicates a coarser abrasive.
- Graded ranges: A designation such as 60/80 represents a grading range, not a single exact particle diameter.
- Conversion: Mesh and micron values should not be treated as exact one-to-one equivalents without identifying the applicable grading standard.
Always confirm the supplier’s grading system and the specified particle-size distribution before comparing wheel specifications.
For a more detailed explanation, see UKAM’s Diamond Mesh Size Guide.
How diamond grit is graded and reported
In the American (ANSI) system, mesh size is the number of sieve openings per linear inch, so a higher number means finer particles. The European (FEPA) system instead reports the average particle diameter in microns, so a larger number means coarser particles. Because the two scales run in opposite directions, always confirm which standard a specification uses.
Particles larger than about 40 microns are sized by shaking them through stacked sieves, so each grit becomes a band between two sieve apertures. Below about 40 microns, sieving becomes ineffective and methods such as laser diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are used. UKAM also notes that mesh sizing is not perfectly precise, because wire thickness in the screen slightly changes the opening size.
UKAM’s guide describes two broad industrial bands: “saw grits”, which are larger and used for rapid removal, and “wheel grits”, which are finer and used for precision grinding and polishing.
Mesh and micron reference
The table below reproduces the approximate mesh, micron and application relationships shown in UKAM’s Diamond Mesh Size Guide. Rows marked “µm grade” are micron-graded products, so no mesh value is given.
What “coarse”, “medium” and “fine” mean depends on the bond
The same mesh number behaves differently in different bonds. UKAM notes that a 120 mesh resin bond tool will usually give a smoother finish than a 120 mesh metal bond tool, because the softer resin cushions the diamond, and that even a finer grit in a metal bond may not match it. UKAM’s classification of grit bands by bond type is shown below.
How grit size changes grinding behavior
UKAM’s guide also recommends a short written trial plan: assess the material, define the finish and speed targets, consult the supplier’s specifications, then test several grit sizes under realistic conditions and record the grit, material, speed, finish and wear rate of each.
Match grit to the production requirement
These are selection principles, not fixed grit assignments. Use the table above as a trial starting point.
Illustrative trial starting points by grinding stage
Should one wheel perform roughing and finishing?
A single wheel may be adequate when the stock allowance, tolerance, and finish requirements are compatible. Separate roughing and finishing wheels may be more effective when high removal rates and stringent surface-quality requirements conflict.
Compare the complete process rather than judging the wheel by finish or removal rate alone. Include wheel changes, dressing, inspection, rework, and scrap when assessing total production cost.
Select the Bond System
The bond holds the diamond abrasive in the working layer. Its properties influence grain retention, abrasive exposure, wear behavior, wheel profile retention, and how the wheel responds to the workpiece.
The correct bond depends on the interaction between the abrasive, workpiece, contact conditions, machine stiffness, coolant delivery, and grinding parameters.
Common diamond grinding wheel bond systems
These descriptions are general. Bond formulations differ among manufacturers, and bond names alone do not establish equivalent performance. For a direct comparison of two common options, see resin bond vs. metal bond diamond wheels.
How bond selection affects grinding
When evaluating a bond, engineers should ask:
- Does the bond retain the diamond adequately under the intended load?
- Is enough abrasive exposed to maintain effective cutting?
- Does the bond wear at a suitable rate to expose fresh abrasive?
- Can the wheel maintain the required profile and dimensions?
- Can the wheel be dressed or conditioned as required?
- Does the bond structure support adequate coolant access and chip clearance?
- Is the bond compatible with the required surface finish and production rate?
A bond that retains abrasive too strongly for a particular process may contribute to glazing. A bond that wears too quickly may increase wheel consumption or reduce profile stability. However, these outcomes depend on the complete wheel and process—not bond type in isolation.
Consider wheel design, not just the bond name
UKAM’s SMART CUT diamond and CBN wheel technology describes wheel designs intended to manage abrasive exposure and bond behavior. Such design features should be evaluated against the actual workpiece, operation, and production requirements rather than treated as a universal performance guarantee.
UKAM describes SMART CUT as an open bond design in which diamond or CBN crystals are activated at the exposed layer and, as that layer wears, crystals in the next bond layer are exposed in turn. UKAM states that this open structure is intended to limit chipping and keep cutting speed consistent. Treat these as the manufacturer’s design intent and confirm them in your own trial. UKAM also offers bond hardness grades from super soft to hard on these wheels, which is a further variable to specify.
Understand Diamond Concentration Correctly
Diamond concentration describes the quantity of diamond in the wheel’s diamond-bearing working layer according to a specified concentration convention. It is not simply the percentage of the entire wheel made of diamond.
The convention shown in UKAM’s concentration reference images uses the relationship:
Concentration 100 = 4.4 carats of diamond per cm³ of diamond-bearing layer volume = 25% diamond by volume.
Under this convention, concentration values scale proportionally. The carat value refers to the volume of the diamond-bearing layer, not the complete wheel body.
Concentration reference values
The calculations follow these relationships:
- Diamond content in ct/cm³ = concentration × 0.044
- Diamond volume percentage = concentration × 0.25%
For example, concentration 75 corresponds to approximately 3.3 ct/cm³ and 18.75% diamond by volume under this convention.
See UKAM’s Diamond Concentration Guide for additional background.
Does higher concentration always improve wheel life?
No. A higher concentration means more diamond is present in a given volume of the working layer under the stated convention. It does not, by itself, guarantee longer wheel life, a better finish, or higher productivity. For more on balancing cutting speed, tool life and cost, see UKAM’s technical article.
Performance also depends on:
- Diamond grit size and particle-size distribution
- Diamond quality and particle characteristics
- Bond type, hardness, and wear behavior
- Abrasive exposure and chip clearance
- Workpiece material and grinding contact
- Machine rigidity, speed, feed, and coolant conditions
- Dressing, conditioning, and the required dimensional accuracy
A higher concentration may be appropriate for some applications, but the best choice should be established through supplier guidance and controlled process trials.
Nominal concentration range and how CON 100 is derived
UKAM’s concentration guide gives the nominal range for precision diamond and CBN tools as about 0.5 to 6 ct/cm³, which corresponds to roughly CON 8 to 135. UKAM’s wheel page lists concentrations from about 10 to 150 CON.
The 25% figure follows from two constants: 1 carat equals 0.2 g, and diamond density is 3.52 g/cm³. At CON 100, 4.4 ct/cm³ × 0.2 g/ct = 0.88 g of diamond per cm³, and 0.88 ÷ 3.52 = 0.25 cm³ of diamond per cm³ of layer, which is 25% by volume.
Trade-offs between higher and lower concentration
UKAM’s guide states that the concentration is usually set by the slowest cutting speed that is acceptable for the application, then balanced against life and cost. These are trends, and UKAM’s guide also shows that the best value depends on grit, bond and cooling.
How bond hardness and cooling shift the choice
See UKAM’s guide to diamond tool coolants for how to choose and apply coolant.
How to evaluate concentration in practice
Compare concentration options while holding other variables as constant as possible. Record material removal, wheel wear, surface quality, dimensional stability, dressing frequency, and cost per acceptable part.
If grit, bond, concentration, and operating parameters all change simultaneously, it becomes difficult to identify which variable caused the result.
Material-Specific Wheel Selection
The following guidance narrows the selection process for common industrial materials. It should be used to define trial candidates, not to replace a supplier’s application review.
Tungsten carbide
Tungsten carbide grades differ in carbide grain size, binder content, hardness, and toughness. These differences can change grinding behavior significantly.
Evaluate:
- Carbide grade and binder content
- Required stock removal and final tolerance
- Grit size appropriate to roughing or finishing
- Bond wear and diamond retention
- Edge chipping and surface integrity
- Coolant delivery and heat generation
- Wheel wear and dressing requirements
A wheel that performs well on one carbide grade may not produce the same result on another. Validate the wheel on the actual grade and geometry.
Silicon carbide and alumina ceramics
Both materials are hard ceramics, but their microstructure and fracture behavior differ. Their grinding response depends on material grade, porosity, grain structure, and process conditions.
Evaluate:
- Required surface finish and dimensional accuracy
- Edge chipping and visible fracture
- Grit size and bond suitability
- Grinding forces and thermal effects
- Wheel loading and abrasive exposure
- Subsurface damage where component reliability requires it
Do not assume that one grit or bond specification is optimal for both silicon carbide and alumina.
Silicon nitride
Silicon nitride can exhibit different grinding behavior from other ceramics because of its microstructure and mechanical properties.
Wheel selection should consider the component’s functional requirements, material grade, removal allowance, and sensitivity to surface or subsurface damage.
In addition to cycle time and finish, monitor grinding forces, edge integrity, dimensional variation, and inspection results. Where the component is safety-critical or fatigue-sensitive, surface appearance alone may not be sufficient to establish acceptability.
Sapphire and other optical materials
For sapphire and optical materials, the required finish and allowable damage may be more important than maximizing removal rate.
Consider:
- Required roughness and surface quality
- Edge integrity and dimensional tolerances
- Crystal orientation where relevant
- Grit size and finishing sequence
- Bond behavior and abrasive exposure
- Thermal management and coolant delivery
- Inspection methods appropriate to the component
A finer grit may help achieve a finer finish, but it does not automatically eliminate subsurface damage. Validate the complete process against the component’s acceptance criteria.
Glass, fused silica, and quartz
Brittle materials require particular attention to fracture, edge chipping, and local grinding conditions.
Evaluate contact geometry, grit size, bond characteristics, coolant delivery, feed conditions, and the required edge or surface quality. For components with tight optical or dimensional requirements, define the inspection method before beginning the trial.
Avoid selecting a wheel solely from a material name. Glass composition, fused silica, and different quartz materials can respond differently under the same nominal process.
Composite materials
Composite grinding behavior depends on the matrix, reinforcement, fiber orientation, and the interaction between the abrasive and the constituent materials.
For fiber-reinforced or ceramic-matrix composites, investigate:
- Reinforcement type and orientation
- Matrix hardness and toughness
- Fiber pull-out, breakage, and delamination
- Surface integrity and dimensional accuracy
- Wheel loading and wear
- Coolant compatibility and process constraints
Diamond may be a suitable candidate for many abrasive or hard composite systems, but selection must account for the specific composite architecture and acceptance criteria.
Define Surface Finish Numerically
“Good surface finish” should never be the complete specification.
State the actual requirement.
For example:
Ra ≤ 0.20 µm
or:
Rz ≤ specified value
Also define:
- Measurement location
- Measurement direction
- Inspection method
- Sampling frequency
- Acceptance limit
Surface finish specification
This prevents disagreement between the wheel supplier and production team about what constitutes an acceptable result.
Define Finished Part Tolerances
The wheel specification should distinguish between:
Wheel dimensional tolerance
and
Finished part tolerance
They are related, but they are not the same requirement.
Wheel requirements
Specify:
- OD tolerance
- Bore tolerance
- Thickness tolerance
- Profile tolerance
- Radius tolerance
- Angle tolerance
- Runout
- Balance
Part requirements
Specify:
- Finished dimension
- Form tolerance
- Position tolerance where applicable
- Surface finish
- Edge condition
- Maximum allowable damage
UKAM’s custom manufacturing capabilities include application specific dimensional tolerances and custom wheel dimensions.
A complete engineering drawing should be supplied where the wheel geometry is critical.
Define the Mounting Interface
The arbor is not simply a hole dimension.
For precision grinding, the wheel and mounting system need to function as one mechanical assembly.
Provide:
- Bore diameter
- Bore tolerance
- Arbor type
- Flange dimensions
- Mounting direction
- Spacer requirements
- Hub requirements
- Thread specification where applicable
- Maximum permissible runout
Failure mode: mounting induced vibration
Investigate:
- Incorrect bore fit
- Damaged arbor
- Contaminated mounting surfaces
- Nonparallel flanges
- Wheel imbalance
- Spindle runout
A change in abrasive specification will not solve a mechanical mounting problem.
Define Tool Life Using Acceptable Parts
“Long tool life” is not measurable.
A production specification should state what tool life means.
For example:
Wheel must produce 2,000 acceptable components before replacement or dressing beyond the defined process limit.
Other possible metrics include:
- Parts per wheel
- Grinding hours
- Material removed per wheel
- Dressing intervals
- Profile retention
- Dimensional stability
The critical point is that tool life should include product quality.
A wheel that continues cutting but produces parts outside specification does not have a useful production life of the same duration.
Document the Existing Wheel and Its Failure
This article is about wheel specification, not about building another RFQ checklist.
The purpose of documenting the current wheel here is different.
It gives the engineer a baseline against which the new specification can be judged.
Record:
This lets the supplier understand what the new wheel must improve.
Use Cost Per Acceptable Part to Define the Target
Purchase price alone is a weak basis for comparing grinding wheels.
Consider this illustrative production comparison:
Illustrative values only. These are not UKAM prices or guaranteed performance results.
The proposed wheel has a higher purchase price in this example, but the tool cost per acceptable part is lower.
A production evaluation should also consider:
- Machine time
- Dressing labor
- Setup
- Wheel changes
- Scrap
- Rework
- Downtime
- Coolant
- Operator intervention
For a production engineer, the meaningful question is not:
“Which wheel costs less?”
It is:
“Which wheel produces acceptable parts at the required quality and production cost?”
Know When Standard Specification Is Not Enough
A standard wheel is appropriate when it already satisfies the measurable process requirements.
Custom engineering becomes more relevant when the standard configuration cannot achieve the required:
- Geometry
- Tolerance
- Mounting configuration
- Surface finish
- Tool life
- Cycle time
- Profile retention
- Scrap target
- Production volume
- Scrap
Typical custom requirements include:
- Unusual wheel profile
- Unusual wheel profile
- Tight dimensional tolerance
- Specialized radius
- Specific bond formulation
- Unusual grit requirement
- Controlled concentration
- Restricted machine envelope
- High production volume
- Recurring wheel failure
UKAM states that its custom manufacturing process considers application, equipment, tolerances, surface finish, lifespan, bond formulation, concentration, and grit size when developing custom diamond and CBN tools.
The decision should therefore be based on the process requirement rather than the assumption that custom automatically means better.
Select the Technology Around the Production Requirement
Different wheel technologies provide different engineering characteristics.
UKAM’s current technology information identifies SMART CUT, sintered metal, resin, electroplated, and other diamond and CBN tool technologies.
For example, UKAM describes its sintered metal bond wheels in terms of form holding, abrasive retention, wheel life, and consistency.
UKAM also describes its SMART CUT technology as controlling diamond or CBN crystal placement, spacing, and orientation within the bond matrix. Any performance figures published by UKAM should be treated as manufacturer stated claims for the applicable technology and application, not as universal performance guarantees.
The correct technology should therefore be selected against the actual process requirement.
Build a Supplier Ready Specification
A useful specification sheet should allow the supplier to understand the application without guessing.
Workpiece
- Exact material
- Grade
- Hardness
- Workpiece dimensions
- Feature being ground
- Stock allowance
Grinding process
- Operation
- Grinding direction
- Stock removal
- Feed
- Depth of cut
- Number of passes
- Coolant
Wheel geometry
- Outside diameter
- Bore
- Thickness
- Profile
- Radius
- Angle
- Core material
- Arbor configuration
Abrasive system
- Diamond type
- Grit size
- Concentration
- Bond type
- Bond hardness
Machine
- Machine model
- Spindle RPM
- Surface speed
- Spindle power
- Arbor
- Runout
- Workholding
Quality
- Dimensional tolerance
- Surface finish
- Profile tolerance
- Edge condition
- Inspection method
- Acceptance limit
Production
- Cycle time target
- Tool life target
- Parts per wheel
- Dressing interval
- Scrap target
- Cost per acceptable part
Existing process
- Current wheel specification
- Current tool life
- Current cycle time
- Current failure mode
- Current scrap rate
- Inspection data
- Wheel photographs
This is the point where the specification becomes useful to engineering, purchasing, production, quality, and the tool manufacturer at the same time.
Review the Specification Before Ordering
Before releasing the purchase order, review the final supplier specification against the original production requirements.
A specification is complete when another engineer can read it and understand what the wheel must do, where it will be used, and how its performance will be judged.
Qualify the Wheel Before Full Production Release
The wheel specification should establish the starting point.
The production trial should establish whether the specification actually works.
Phase 1: Machine verification
Check:
- Spindle runout
- Arbor condition
- Wheel mounting
- Balance
- Coolant delivery
- Machine rigidity
Phase 2: Initial grinding trial
Record:
- RPM
- Surface speed
- Feed
- Depth of cut
- Coolant condition
- Grinding time
- Part temperature where relevant
- Initial surface finish
- Initial dimensional result
Phase 3: Production trial
Measure:
- RPM
- Surface speed
- Feed
- Depth of cut
- Coolant condition
- Cycle time
- Scrap
- Surface finish
- Dimensional stability
Phase 4: Economic review
Calculate:
Cost per acceptable part
Then compare the result against the existing process.
A successful first part is not sufficient evidence for production release.
The wheel should demonstrate repeatable performance against defined acceptance criteria.
Questions Engineers Should Ask a Wheel Manufacturer
A technically capable supplier should be able to discuss the process behind the wheel specification.
For a difficult application, the supplier should be able to translate the manufacturing requirement into a measurable wheel specification.
Diamond Grinding Wheel Ordering Checklist
A useful specification sheet should allow the supplier to understand the application without guessing.
Workpiece
- What exact material is being ground?
- What grade or hardness is involved?
- What feature is being ground?
- How much material must be removed?
Process
- What grinding operation is being performed?
- What are the RPM, feed, and depth of cut?
- What coolant is being used?
- What is the contact condition?
Wheel
- What diameter and thickness are required?
- What profile, radius, or angle is required?
- What bore and arbor configuration are required?
- What grit should be evaluated?
- What concentration should be evaluated?
- What bond should be evaluated?
- What bond hardness should be evaluated?
Quality
- What dimensional tolerance must be achieved?
- What surface finish is required?
- What edge damage is acceptable?
- How will the result be inspected?
Production
- What cycle time is required?
- What tool life is required?
- What dressing interval is acceptable?
- What scrap rate is acceptable?
- What cost per acceptable part is acceptable?
Frequently Asked Questions
Provide the exact workpiece material and grade, grinding operation, feature being ground, wheel dimensions, profile, bore, grit, concentration, bond, machine information, spindle speed, feed, coolant, dimensional tolerance, surface finish, tool life requirement, and current process performance. A drawing is particularly useful for complex profiles or tight tolerances.
Grit should be evaluated against the workpiece, stock removal, surface finish, contact condition, machine capability, and tool life. Coarser grit may be considered for higher material removal, while finer grit is commonly considered for finishing requirements. The final selection should be confirmed through controlled testing.
Bond selection depends on the workpiece, grinding operation, desired cutting behavior, surface finish, profile retention, tool life, machine conditions, and dressing requirements. Metal, resin, hybrid, electroplated, brazed, and vitrified systems have different characteristics, so the bond should be selected as part of the complete process rather than independently.
Concentration changes the abrasive structure of the wheel and can affect wheel life, cutting behavior, grinding force, finish, and wear. It should be evaluated together with grit and bond rather than used as a single variable to correct every grinding problem.
Yes. The supplier should know the actual spindle RPM or required surface speed and the wheel diameter. This allows the operating condition to be evaluated and documented as part of the complete wheel specification.
Use a measurable production criterion such as acceptable parts per wheel, grinding hours, material removed, dressing interval, or profile retention. For production decisions, acceptable parts within dimensional and surface requirements are generally more useful than simply measuring how long the wheel continues to cut.
Custom manufacturing should be considered when standard configurations cannot meet the required geometry, mounting configuration, tolerance, surface finish, tool life, cycle time, profile retention, or production economics. Custom does not automatically mean better. It should solve a defined manufacturing requirement.
Yes. UKAM states that its custom manufacturing capabilities include custom wheel dimensions, arbor configurations, profiles, grit sizes, concentrations, bond types, bond hardness, cores, and applicable tolerances.
Compare more than purchase price. Measure wheel life, dressing frequency, cycle time, surface finish, dimensional stability, profile retention, scrap, rework, downtime, and cost per acceptable part. This provides a more useful production comparison.
UKAM states that its custom manufacturing process works from application requirements including equipment, tolerances, surface finish, lifespan, bond formulation, concentration, and grit size. Engineers can provide the workpiece information, drawing, machine conditions, current wheel specification, and production performance so the application can be evaluated against measurable requirements.
Engineering Principles to Remember
1. Specify the process before specifying the wheel.
The workpiece and grinding operation establish the engineering requirements.
2. Do not select grit, concentration, or bond independently.
These variables interact with the material, machine, contact condition, coolant, and operating parameters.
3. Wheel geometry is part of the manufacturing process.
Diameter and bore alone do not define a precision grinding wheel.
4. Machine condition can limit wheel performance.
Runout, rigidity, mounting, coolant delivery, and spindle condition need to be controlled.
5. Define quality numerically.
Use measurable dimensional tolerances, surface finish limits, profile requirements, and edge damage limits.
6. Measure tool life using acceptable production.
A wheel that continues cutting but produces defective parts is not providing useful production life.
7. Compare production economics rather than purchase price alone.
Cost per acceptable part provides a stronger basis for engineering and purchasing decisions.
8. Use the current process as the baseline.
A new wheel should have a defined reason for being different from the existing wheel.
9. Change one major variable at a time during troubleshooting.
If grit, concentration, bond, speed, feed, and coolant are changed simultaneously, it becomes difficult to determine which change produced the result.
10. Treat the wheel and machine as one grinding system.
The wheel specification cannot compensate for uncontrolled spindle runout, poor mounting, inadequate coolant delivery, or unstable workholding.
Conclusion
A diamond grinding wheel should be specified as part of the manufacturing process, not purchased as a standalone catalog item.
The complete specification should connect the workpiece, grinding operation, feature geometry, wheel dimensions, diamond grit, concentration, bond, bond hardness, machine interface, operating speed, feed, coolant, quality requirements, tool life, and production economics.These variables interact with the material, machine, contact condition, coolant, and operating parameters.
That information allows the engineer to define what the wheel must accomplish before the purchase order is released.
It also gives the manufacturer a technical basis for determining whether an existing standard wheel is appropriate or whether a custom configuration should be developed.
UKAM’s current custom manufacturing capabilities include multiple bond systems, diamond grit sizes, concentrations, wheel profiles, core materials, arbor configurations, and application specific dimensions.
For engineers dealing with recurring wheel wear, poor surface finish, profile loss, dimensional instability, edge damage, short tool life, or high cost per acceptable part, the next step should be to document the current process rather than simply order another wheel with a different grit.
Provide the workpiece material, grinding operation, wheel drawing or dimensions, machine and spindle conditions, current wheel specification, required tolerances, surface finish, tool life target, and current performance data. UKAM can then evaluate whether a standard or custom diamond grinding wheel configuration is appropriate for the application.
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