Superabrasive Wheel Shapes

In my Blog last week, I discussed the proper way to describe the shape of a Conventional grinding wheel using the the term TYPE. Superabrasive Wheels, Damond and CBN, also use TYPE to describe the shape of the wheel but the ANSI descriptions for these wheels is different. The TYPE of of Superabrasive wheel should be the first reference in describing the wheel. As an example, if you want a Diamond Cutoff Wheel with relieved sides, 6" diameter, .035 wide with 1 1/4" hole and 1/4" diamond depth, the wheel should be described as such: Type 1A1R 6"  X .035 X 1 1/4 Specification D120-R100-B 1/4".

This description using TYPE applies to all Superabrasive  Companies.

Grinding Wheel Shapes

Many times we refer to a Grinding Wheel by the SIZE and SPECIFICATION of the wheel.  These two things are very important but they don't describe the SHAPE of the wheel. It is most important to use the ANSI shape of the wheel described as TYPE when describing or ordering a grinding wheel. The TYPE of wheel should be the first description in a grinding wheel. An example of this could be: TYPE 5 SIZE 7" X 1" 1 1/4" Recessed one side 3" X 1/2" deep SPECIFICATION WA46-I8-V8.

These Descriptions of TYPES apply only to Conventional abrasive grinding wheels. My next blog will address the TYPES of Superabrasive grinding  wheel shapes.

Regardless of the brand of grinding wheel you may use, Norton, Radiac, 3M, etc, these ANSI Types apply to all.