Choosing the Right Cutting Wheel (Based on Cutting Material)
Every metal fabrication industry utilizes cutting wheels for large-scale grinding and metalworking applications. They are also widely used for bulk stock removal of material from metal surfaces. The cutting wheel is primarily an angle grinder or chop saw attachment.
Today, Here in this article we will know,
How to choose the right cutting wheel based on wheel types, grain quality, grinder, and cutting material?
Choosing Cutting Wheel- Based on wheel type (T1/T27)
An angle grinder uses two types of cutting wheels: Type 1 (flat wheel), and Type 27 (depressed center wheel).
Type 1 Cutting Wheels are utilized for the general cutting of metals. Type 1 cutting wheels are flat wheels that do not have a depressed center so they can provide a large cutting surface.
Type 27 Cutting Wheel contains a depressed center so, they are also known as the depressed center wheels. Type 27 wheels are perfect for cutting tight curves and hard areas.
Choosing Cutting Wheel- Based on wheel grain quality
Among all other abrasive grains, Aluminum oxide is the most commonly used grain in the manufacturing of cutting wheels. This abrasive grain has a fast cut-rate extensive lifespan and produces a rapid, smooth, and easy-to-control cut. Aluminum oxide grains are perfect for grinding stainless steel, hard steel, iron, and other metals.
Choosing Cutting Wheel- Based on wheel thickness
Cutting wheels are available in different sizes (especially based on the thickness of wheels).
Wheel thickness is the most important factor to consider while choosing the right cutting wheel.
- For general purpose cutting of stainless or mild steel choose a 1mm or 1.6mm thick wheel.
- For cutting through hard metals choose standard thin 0. 045 inch & ultra-thin 1 mm cutting wheels.
Although thin cutting wheels remove less material at once but provide fast and clean cuts. The main advantage of using thin cutting wheels is they produce less heat as well as reduce surface discoloration.
Also know: What is the difference between a grinding wheel and a cutting wheel
Choosing Cutting Wheel- Based on a grinder/tool
There are different power tools to cut metal depending on the shape and size of the sheet. Among them, an angle grinder is the most common and universal power tool to use with cutting wheels. An angle grinder has a compact size, low cost, and the capacity to cut metal like a pro. Angle grinders are available in a range of diameters to fit different abrasive cutting wheel sizes.
Choosing Cutting Wheel- Based on cutting material
Choosing the right cutting wheel based on the material can be a difficult task. Premium cutting wheels from benchmark abrasives are perfect to cut through a variety of metals, including aluminum, stainless steel, copper, titanium, metal alloys, and other hard materials.
You can choose a cutting wheel based on the following important material:
#1 Cutting Wheel For Aluminum
Aluminum is a lightweight metal. Its hardened form is made by processing it with other metals. Along with the various benefits of aluminum, there are also some difficulties while working. Aluminum has a low melting point and abrasive resistant nature. Therefore, cutting aluminum requires a strong cutting wheel that lasts longer and works efficiently.
Type 1 premium thin cutting wheel from benchmark abrasives is the best cutting wheel to cut aluminum.
T1 Thin Cutting Wheel For Aluminum
Type 1 cutting wheels from benchmark abrasives are powerful enough to cut any hard material. This aluminum cutting wheel is designed with mixed abrasive grain composition (silicon carbide and aluminum oxide). T1 thin cutting wheels last longer and provide an excellent cut-rate.
#2 Cutting Wheel For Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is an alloy ( of iron, chromium, and carbon). This chromium provides a corrosion-resistant coating on metals. Although stainless steel resists rust and oxidation, still precautions must be taken during aluminum fabrication and processing. To avoid contamination of the metal workpiece, you need the right bonded abrasive wheel.
Type 1 4x ceramic cutting wheels are perfect to cut stainless steel.
T1 4X Ceramic Cutting Wheel For Stainless Steel
Benchmark abrasives Type 1 4x cutting wheels are designed with high-quality ceramic, which is a stainless steel-friendly abrasive. The stainless steel cutting wheel not only improves efficiency, but also reduces rework, and removes every possible cross-contamination.
#3 Cutting Wheel For Hard Metals
Cutting hard metal like titanium, hardened steel, nickel alloy, requires a cutting wheel with extensive life and high cut-rate. Ceramic-based cutting wheels are capable of cutting through hard metal with more efficiency.
Why are ceramic cutting wheels best to cut through hard metals?
Ceramic cutting wheels are designed and bonded with ceramic abrasive grain. In ceramic abrasive, granules are composed of crystalline structures. This crystalline structure of grain has numerous self-sharpening cutting edges that cut faster than other abrasive grains. As a result, the material removal rate (MRR) of ceramic cutting wheels is high.
#4 Cutting Wheel For Steel
Cutting steel is quite easier than aluminum and stainless steel. As we know, Wheel thickness is the most important factor while choosing a metal cutting tool. Thin cutting wheels are a perfect choice for cutting steel. The best thin cutting wheels range from thin 0.045" inch or ultra-thin 1mm.
Zirconia and aluminum oxide bonded cutting wheels are best for cutting through steel.
Zirconia Cutting Wheel For Steel
Benchmark abrasives zirconia cutting wheels provide efficient cutting and high material remove rate when cutting through structural as well as carbon steel. Zirconia alumina is a self-sharpening abrasive grain that provides a constant cutting rate throughout life.