DeWalt Metalworking Abrasive Wheels

How Abrasives Work

• Abrasive wheels are actually thousands of abrasive grains bonded together to form a single cutting tool. As the wheel contacts the material, the exposed grains begin to cut and grind material away.
• As the wheel grinds, the material fractures the surface of the grains, exposing new cutting points. It also wears away the bond between the grains exposing fresh grain.
• Eventually the surface grains are used up. The old grains are released as the bond wears away, and new grains are exposed. This process continues until the wheel is completely consumed.

Three Key Components of Bonded Abrasives

• Abrasive Grains - Particles which provide shape, sharpness, hardness and friability
• A - Aluminum Oxide is used for cutting and grinding metal.
• C - Silicon Carbide is very hard and for use in concrete.
• Z - Aluminum Zirconia is a very fine dense grain used for rugged stock removal and long life.
• Bonds - The bonding agents hold the grains together and determine the resistance and hardness of the wheel. Hardness refers to how tightly the bonding agent resin material holds on to the grain particles.
• Hard Wheels: Last longer, but may not cut as fast or as clean. Generally they are used on soft materials.
• Soft Wheels: Cut fast and smooth, but do not last as long. Generally they are used on hard materials.
• Fiberglass Reinforcements - Reinforcement material provides extra strength so the wheel can be used at maximum revolutions per minute (RPM) and still withstand the lateral pressure applied during use.

DeWalt Abrasive Products Identification

• DeWalt utilizes a coding system for the specs or "grit" on their wheels.