Faster, Cooler, and More Efficient Surface Grinding with Blue Moon TZ
With higher removal rates and cooler grinding performance, Blue Moon TZ has proven to be highly effective in applications that require larger contact zones like surface grinding. To see how this technology performs on the Blohm Planomat surface grinder, watch this video or read the following article.
Blue Moon TZ Grinding Wheel Performance on the BLOHM PLANOMAT Surface Grinder
At Continental Diamond Tool, we’re always looking for ways to help customers push productivity forward without sacrificing quality. That’s exactly what the Blue Moon TZ grinding wheel achieves on the BLOHM PLANOMAT surface grinder. Developed by Krebs & Riedel and offered to manufacturers in North America through CDT, this custom-engineered abrasive features precision-shaped trapezoidal grains that enhance performance in fine-finish applications like surface grinding.
“The Blue Moon TZ enables customers to grind materials much faster,” says Erik Van Meter, Product Manager at CDT. “It enables them to increase their parts per dress, and it enables them to grind with less heat, which obviously is much better for the customer.”
Unique Considerations in Surface Grinding
Surface grinding is used predominantly in the manufacture of tools and molds, where surfaces are machined plane parallel to the circumference or face of the wheel. The growing diversity of materials in these applications demands effective, innovative, and economical grinding solutions.
Surface grinding also presents a unique set of challenges: large contact zones, extended linear passes, and high thermal loads can all impact surface finish and dimensional accuracy. These conditions demand an abrasive that maintains stability and temperature control under stress.
The properties of Blue Moon TZ make it well equipped to meet these challenges. Its microcrystalline, trapezoidal rod-shaped grain delivers high cutting performance while maintaining a very low thermal load in the contact zone. This helps reduce the risk of workpiece burn or distortion, even under demanding grinding parameters.
The Role of Vitrified Bonds in Precision Grinding
Vitrified bond systems have largely prevailed in precision grinding because of their controllable porosity and adaptable microstructure. The bond type allows for customized pore space, ensuring the grinding wheel’s performance aligns with the size of the contact zone between the workpiece and wheel. Larger contact zones, such as those found in surface or creep-feed grinding, benefit from a more open and porous structure. This design helps deliver coolant directly into the contact zone and effectively remove heat and chips during grinding.
The vitrified bond structure used in Blue Moon TZ and other conventional abrasive grinding wheels contributes to its ability to maintain stability, extend tool life, and promote consistent grinding pressure. These characteristics make vitrified-bonded wheels particularly advantageous for productive surface and deep grinding applications.
Proven Results on the BLOHM PLANOMAT
To validate these performance advantages, the CDT team partnered with the experts at United Grinding to test the Blue Moon TZ wheel on the BLOHM PLANOMAT Surface Grinder. Together, they evaluated a range of process performance factors to confirm the wheel’s consistency, efficiency, and grinding stability.
The results of these tests were presented and demonstrated live at the United Grinding Precision Summit, giving attendees an up-close look at how Blue Moon TZ enhances efficiency and grinding consistency on high-performance equipment.
Performance that Speaks for Itself
When it comes to surface grinding, the Blue Moon TZ stands out for its ability to deliver both speed and control. Key benefits include:
Very low risk of overheating while grinding
High removal rates and short grinding timesSelf-sharpening abrasive grain for consistent performance
Extended dressing intervals and long tool life
Reduced cost per unit through improved efficiency
The combination of sharp-edged, self-sharpening grains and a homogeneous, controllable pore structure enables smoother coolant flow and more consistent grinding pressure. The result is improved part quality and longer wheel life.
“Customers have been very happy about CDT offering the Krebs & Riedel line,” Erik adds. “Both companies offer high-quality products, good customer service, and great technical service. There’s been a lot of good collaboration between the customers and the CDT people.”
Collaborating for Quality
The partnership between Continental Diamond Tool and Krebs & Riedel brings decades of engineering experience together to serve North American manufacturers with the latest in grinding technology. Whether that’s conventional abrasives or superabrasives, CDT ensures every customer gets a tailored solution backed by technical expertise and responsive support.
Interested in Blue Moon TZ or other abrasive solutions for your surface grinding operations?
Contact our team today to discuss your application and find the right abrasive solution.
