The Rating of Abrasive Cutoff Wheels

Abstract

A rational approach to cutoff wheel selection is presented based on the most important criterion for this operation—minimum cost per cut. New parameters are identified which play a more significant role than the conventional quantities grain size, grade (hardness), and structure number normally used to characterize a wheel. The new quantities are: a) the effective number of cutting points per square inch on the wheel periphery (substitute for grain size); b) the volume that may be accommodated between successsive grains under cost optimum conditions (substitute for structure number); c) a chip flexibility parameter (no counterpart in conventional wheel signature); d) the downfeed corresponding to a grinding ratio of unity (this reflects wheel grade and resistance to wear). A number of experimental examples are presented to illustrate the application of the procedures proposed.