Which Dressing Tool is Right for You?

A diamond grinding wheel dresser is a vital tool in the proper care and maintenance of any grinding wheel. Regular maintenance ensures that your diamond grinding wheel will perform at maximum efficiency, trouble-free, and enjoy a long, sustainable life.

When selecting any dressing tool, including a diamond wheel dressing stick, it’s important to choose the tool that is the proper shape, size, and quality for the grinding wheel. If you don’t know which tool will work best with your application, discuss it with a supplier’s knowledgeable customer service department to determine exactly what you need.

Dressing the wheel will knock off any abrasive particles from the wheel’s surface. This ensures that it’s balanced and concentric, which minimizes any vibration it may get from having too much buildup on the surface. These particles, if left on the surface, have the potential to cover up surface abrasives, making them dull and ineffective. Exposing them by removing particles is essentially a sharpening process, since the fresh abrasive grains are each cutting tools in their own right.

A diamond grinding wheel dresser serves another important function, and that is to clean the grinding wheel. Choosing a dresser or grinding wheel dressing stick that is softer than the grinding wheel will not dislodge any abrasive particles, and can result in a loaded wheel. This is why selecting the proper dressing tools is crucial to a successful grinding wheel dressing.

There are also different types of dressers to consider. Star dressers feature long handles and serrated discs. Diamond dressers are generally preferred because of their superior strength. They also have shorter handles and are great for both dressing and truing. They are also available in single point and multi-set clusters to blade-specific type, and a reputable supplier will be able to determine which design to use based on your project. For example, a single point tool is easy to use and encourages a more pronounced rotation and higher frequency, delivering precise results.

Other benefits of a diamond grinding wheel dresser include a fast dressing of even the most complex wheels, a constant operation that boasts high-precision, and optimal dresser versatility. This type of dresser tool also means a decreased dressing cost per project, making it a cost-effective solution to all of your dressing needs.

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How do Superabrasives compare to conventional abrasives?

Superabrasives 101

If you’re in the market for superabrasives, it’s important to be familiar with common terms and product types that can help you discover which superabrasive is best for your needs. The metal bond grinding wheel is one of the most commonly used wheels, and the name denotes the metal bonding material that is most often used with a variety of grinding wheel types.

Using metal fillers, grinding wheels suppliers will manufacture the metal grinding wheel to specification. Metal bond is available with cubic boron nitride (CBN) and diamond wheels, and are generally used with coolant to prolong the wheel’s lifespan.

There are several advantages to using metal bond wheels, not least of which is its extended life. A metal bond ensures that the wheel has a fast stock removal. It also leads to a reduction in the dressing frequency and boasts more advanced form holding capabilities. Metal bonds are also extremely strong, so they are typically used in internal, form, glass, ceramic, tool cutting, and creep-feed applications.

A grinding wheel dresser, often referred to simply as a wheel dresser or grinding dresser, is an essential tool that dresses the grinding wheel surface. Dressing a wheel knocks any abrasive particles from the surface in order to make the grinding wheel concentric. This means less vibration and an improved finish. The grinding dresser is also important when cleaning the metal bond grinding wheel. One of the main benefits of using a metal bond grinding wheel is that it requires dressing less frequently than other wheel types.

Metal bond even goes beyond grinding wheels, since diamond core drills, solid diamond drills, and disintegrating core drills can all be manufactured using metal bond. Metal bond is primarily used in wet grinding. It can work well on glass, silicon, semi-conductors, refractories, and ceramics. Many industries choose to use metal bond tools because they are low maintenance but offer high productivity, making them ideal for maximum yield endeavors. They are also available in a range of tools, from the more aggressive CNC grinding down to light polishing.

When searching for grinding wheels suppliers, go with a company experienced in custom manufacturing with a wide range of superabrasives, including metal bond. A reputable company will tailor every order to each individual customer’s needs and offer a knowledgeable customer service that can help you determine the type of tools and products you need. Going with an experienced superabrasives provider will result in unmatched quality and a pleasant buying experience.

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.

CDT welcomes Dan Imgrund!

Dan Imgrund joined the company in July 2015 as our new Product Manager for Resin Bond.

His responsibilities include production, R&D and marketing of the resin bond product line.

Dan brings twenty plus years of experience in superabrasive design, production and application to CDT.

“CDT is the right fit,” Dan said.

“When I met the team, I understood how CDT can offer such great quality and delivery. The ‘can-do’ attitude is not part of the culture here, is the culture.”

CDT is committed to offering the best possible diamond and CBN products in the industry for years to come, the addition of Dan Imgrund will be a key part in providing this to our customers.

We have expanded again!

Continental Diamond Tool has recently underwent a 16,000 sqft state of the art expansion to accommodate the increase volume in Resin Bond demand and our recently developed product of Vitrified Diamond & CBN grinding wheels for the Aerospace, Medical, Automotive and Cutting Tools Industry.  C.D.T.'s recent expansion will also house our newly expanded customer service and engineering departments, as well as our growing sales staff.  Please contact your C.D.T. representative to schedule a visit.

Matt Harnish: 15 Year Anniversary

This year marks the fifteenth year of employment for Matt Harnish.  Matt started with the company in 2000, in the shipping and receiving department.  His motivation and drive to succeed eventually led him to applying to CDT's sales force.  With no experience, Matt started by making calls on his lunch break and after hours to prove his motivation, and shortly after, he was rewarded with a full time sales position.  Matt has grown into CDT's longest tenured salesmen and helped grow sales each and every year.  He has specialized in diamond plated sales, and has helped grow plated into the company's largest department.

CDT would like to congratulate Matt for his hard work and dedication to CDT.

CDT Invests in Zoller

CDT has invested in a new state of the art Zoller Presetting & Measuring device to further help support and ensure that our customers tools are perfect.  This investment is the first initial tool in expanding our inspection and quality department.

Machining capabilities growing again

News Release

New Haven, Ind. -- For the second time in two and a half years, Continental Diamond Tool, located at 1221 Hartzell Street in New Haven, has announced plans to expand its existing facilities. Founded in 1973, Continental Diamond Tool specializes in the design, manufacture, and application of diamond cutting and grinding products and services for industries including medical, oil and gas, automotive, aerospace, and electronics.

"Over the past few years, CDT has made a concentrated focus in R&D and product performance. This strategy has allowed us to gain a larger market share and double our revenue over the past few years," stated Nick Viggiano, chief operating officer for CDT. "Along with the constant advancements of current products, we are excited to introduce a new product to the market later in 2014. We feel the launch of this new product, along with our dedicated staff, gives us the ability to gain market share faster in the foreseeable future."

Continental Diamond Tool will invest $400,000 to add 7,000 square feet of manufacturing space and 7,000 square feet of office space. This additional square footage will allow for the purchase and installation of $3.375 million in new manufacturing equipment including CNC Lathes, mold presses, and inspection equipment. At present, the company employs 57 people. Over the next 5 years they plan to hire 47 additional people in manufacturing, sales, management, and clerical positions.

"Once again CDT has shown that they are a great company and a true community partner," stated Mayor Terry McDonald. "Thank you, CDT for your faith in New Haven, by yet again expanding your business here, and for your investment in the people and families of New Haven. Thank you and congratulations. We look forward to many more years of growth and partnership."

At its June 10 meeting, the New Haven City Council will be asked to consider approving a 7-year and 10-year property tax phase-in to assist the company with its expansion and investment. It is estimated that the tax phase-in will amount to a $259,781 savings over the next 7-10 years.

About Continental Diamond Tool
Founded in 1973, Continental Diamond Tool specializes in the design, manufacture and application of diamond and CBN cutting and grinding products and services for a wide range of industries. CDT has the ability for our sales and manufacturing to work together to ensure our customers experience, satisfaction. Our confidence stems from having a distributer network which is based on a "Relationship & Performance" foundation that is unparalleled in customer service and high quality performance. 

About Greater Fort Wayne Inc. 
Greater Fort Wayne Inc. is the new organization that unifies the Fort Wayne-Allen County Economic Development Alliance and the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, serving as a single point of contact for economic growth in Greater Fort Wayne. In addition, Leadership Fort Wayne and the Downtown Improvement District are also working toward an affiliation with Greater Fort Wayne Inc. Together, we're growing a more prosperous, vibrant community in Greater Fort Wayne. To learn more about Greater Fort Wayne Inc., visit www.GreaterFortWayneInc.com.

The Mars Rover Has Diamond Plated Wheels

When NASA launched the first Mars rovers in 2004, one of their tasks was to examine what was beneath the surface of the planet. Rock formations and soil samples would show us more about the planet's composition. One question was whether there had ever been water on Mars, one of the requirements to support life. To learn about the planet's history, it was necessary to dig into the soil and grind away rock, a task that required diamond plated wheels.

As a leader among diamond tool manufacturers, Continental Diamond Tool embraced the challenge of creating a custom grinding wheels that could be used to explore beneath the planet's surface. Our diamond wheel tool was affixed to the end of the Rock Abrasion Tool (RAT) created by Honeybee Robotics for the rovers Spirit and Opportunity.

Working for NASA contractor, Honeybee Robotics Ltd., CDT helped to design and develop several   for testing then waited in anticipation for Honeybee engineers to choose the suitable flight model.  The custom-made grinding wheel was then attached to the working end of the Rock Abrasion Tool (RAT), which was designed and operated by Honebyee Robotics Ltd.  

CDT created a soft resin bond formulation to work with the low down force the RAT's robotic arm. Our custom plated diamond wheel grinding tool successfully dug a hole in the rocky surface that was 5 centimeters wide and 5 millimeters deep. The RAT mounted to the end of the robotic arm located on each Rover (named Spirit and Opportunity) which was responsible for investigation the martian surface and arriving at the research location.

The rovers sent back both panoramic and microscopic images of their discoveries. All rocks found on Mars were covered in dust and mineral rinds; some could be brushed off, but another type needed to be ground off with tools on the RAT. Analysis of the rock and soil on Mars yielded many excited revelations. In a rock known as Humphrey, formations suggested that minerals had been carried through pores in the rock by water. Another flaky rock formation, Mimi, may have been cemented into its layers through compression, which also often involves water. Rocks in the Gusev crater seem to be a type of volcanic basalt. They contain the minerals magnetite, olivine, pyroxene, and plagioclase. There are high levels of nickel, which likely came from meteors. Rocks on the plain show signs of being affected by small amounts of water.

In 2009, Sprit became stuck in soft soil over a slick bed of iron sulfate and was unable to be moved. NASA repurposed the stranded rover as a stationary research platform, monitoring for planetary wobbles that would indicate whether Mars has a liquid core. The rover's last communication came in on March 22, 2010. The Opportunity rover remains active on Mars, nearly ten years after the planned ending of its mission of 90 Martian days. Its task now is to detect signs of life in the history of the red planet. The Mars rovers stand as a testament to what is possible when science and industry work together to increase human knowledge.

Building expansion complete

Continental Diamond Tool recently underwent a 20,000 sqft expansion to help accommodate an increased demand in our plating, resin bond, and metal bond business.  Contact our sales team to schedule a visit.