What bond is best for my application?

Types of CBN Grinding Wheels

CBN stands for cubic boron nitride. This is a type of synthetic compound as it, like all boron nitride compounds, is not found anywhere in nature. The structure of this compound is a symmetrical structure not unlike a diamond. It is extremely hard, stable under heat and has a high resistance to other chemicals. In fact, cubic boron nitride is the second hardest material, after a diamond. These properties make CBN extremely useful for industrial use. Learn more about how it can be used as an abrasive or cutting tool--particular as a grinding wheel--and perhaps you’ll discover how it could be utilized in your workplace too.

During the grinding process, you have a few options when it comes to what material to use. You should ask yourself the following questions to make your decision:

• What is the material you are cutting?

• What bond type and hardness do you require?

• What grit or mesh size is needed?

• What cutting speeds will you utilize?

• What coolants and lubricants do you plan to use?

In many cases, you may decide that utilizing CBN material just makes sense. CBN grinding wheels are extremely hard and ideal for many jobs. Very little pressure is required, meaning that there is less heat and nearly no sparks generated. This is a big change versus using a grinding wheel that is not as hard. Additionally, these wheels are reliable and long-lasting, unlike standard abrasives, the wheel face remains straight, without grooves. The durability and low need for maintenance means that CBN grinding wheels are less-costly to operate than many other products too.

Because cubic boron nitride cutting tools are so hard and durable, they are ideal for use for a number of tasks such as metal grinding and tool sharpening. Plated tools, like the CBN wheels from CDT, consist of a single layer of CBN exposed from the bond instead of imbedded--like with resin and metal bonds. This also helps the wheel to hold its form and remain durable over the long haul. This will save you time and money and help provide optimal results.

When it comes to coated abrasives like CBN grinding wheels and abrasive technology in general, Continental Diamond Tools is your number one resource. We offer a number of options to meet or exceed your needs--no matter what your application. Additionally, we are experts in the plated abrasives industry. Whether you know exactly what you want and are ready to order, or you want to just talk to a professional about what options are available, call or contact us today and let us help you find the product that will work best for you. Your satisfaction with our abrasive products is our number one concern.

What are the benefits of plated vs. bonded?

Grinding Wheels 101

A grinding wheel performs a range of abrasive machining operations in industries such as aerospace and petroleum. It can be made by pressing a matrix of coarse particles together into a circular shape, or by coating a solid material with the abrasive compound. The specific materials and shape of a grinding wheel depend on the application, although its manufacture is generally a precise process. Common types of grinding wheels include plated wheels, wheels that use resin to bond the abrasive compound to the wheel and those that use metal bonds.

Plated

A plated grinding wheel has a single layer of abrasive material that’s exposed to the surface, instead of embedding the material within a bonding compound. The abrasive material for this type of grinding wheel is typically cubic boron nitride (CBN) or diamond, which are extremely hard substances. Diamond plated wheels hold their form longer than bonded wheels, and they also form a more aggressive bond.

Plating provides diamond tool manufacturers with the ability to strip the abrasive material from the core product and re-plate it with a new abrasive layer. This advantage results in a plated diamond wheel that’s in “like new” condition, which extends the life of the initial investment.

Resin Bonds

The resins that bond abrasives to grinding wheels are typically phenolic resins, meaning that they are made by reacting phenol. The resin also contains filler materials such as copper and an abrasive material like diamond or CBN. A hot press compresses this mixture into the desired form, which is then cured and machined to a precise shape.

Resin-bonded grinding wheels are highly efficient, allowing them to complete their tasks quickly. These grinding wheels are capable of prolonged use, due to their ability to sharpen themselves and maintain low temperatures during operation. Grinding wheels that use resin bonds are also easy to dress and less prone to overloading. Common applications for these wheels include grinding electrical carbon products such as carbide alloys, ceramics, ferrite and semi-conductors.

Metal Bonds

The metal bonds used by grinding wheels are typically made by sintering powdered metals along with filler materials, and adding an abrasive such as CBN or diamond. These bonds are very strong, providing a grinding wheel that holds its shape well. The durability of metal bonds also means that these grinding wheels require dressing less frequently.

Metal bond abrasive tools offer maximum productivity, and are suitable for a range of applications, from light polishing to aggressive grinding. They’re most often used in wet grinding, but they can also grind dry surfaces such as ceramics, glass, quartz and silicon. Metal-bonded grinding wheels can be used for cutting tools and forms such as refractories. They're also suitable for creep-feed applications.