Diamond and CBN Product Tech Tips

• Diamond Grinds:
  • Cemented carbide 
  • Glass
  • Ceramics 
  • Fiberglass
  • Plastics 
  • Stone
  • Abrasives
  • Electronic components and materials

• CBN Grinds:
  • High speed tool steels  
  • Die steels
  • Hardened carbon steels 
  • Alloy steels
  • Aerospace alloys   
  • Hard stainless steel
  • Abrasion-resistant ferrous materials

• Avoid Grinding Steel
  • Avoid steel when grinding with diamond wheels. Keep the amount of steel ground to an absolute minimum.
  • On brazed tools, use an aluminum oxide wheel to back off the steel shank.
  • A high lubricity grinding fluid should be used.
  • For some steels, an armored (AMD) diamond wheel may prove
    most economical.

• Work Support – Use Rigid Work Support
  • All workpieces should be supported firmly during the grinding process. Any amount of vibration will cause wheel wear and produce chatter or wave marks on the ground surface.
  • On work ground between centers, centerholds should be properly prepared.
  • Minimize work overhang.
  • If the ground work is supported by a work finger, ensure the finger is strong enough to provide vibration-free support.

• Coolant – Grind Wet
  • Diamond wheels should be used with a full flood coolant properly directed toward the grinding zone. Water with a rust inhibitor is recommended.
  • Vitrified diamond wheels should be used only with a coolant.
  • When a flood application can not be used, try a mist or spray application.
  • Use compressed air to “atomize” water or soluble oil.
  • Direct the spray at the grinding zone to help dissipate heat and   prevent heat damage to the work.

• Feeds – Avoid Excessive Feeds
  • Excessive feeds will result in premature wheel wear. Excessive feed rates are characterized by:
    • A hard grinding sound
    • Chatter
    • Burn
    • High wheel wear rate
    • Vibration

 It is the user’s responsibility to refer to and comply with ANSI B7.1