Diamond and CBN grinding wheels for flute grinding

Diamond and CBN grinding wheels are both used for flute grinding in the manufacturing of cutting tools such as drills and end mills. Flute grinding is the process of grinding the flutes or grooves in a cutting tool, which are the deep, helical channels that allow chips to be removed from the work-piece during cutting.

Diamond and CBN grinding wheels for flute grinding is the most time-consuming and thus most cost-intensive manufacturing step during drill and end mill production. It is necessary to optimise the machine and cooling lubricant systems as well as the abrasives. In recent years, machines have become more compact, spindle power has increased, axis paths have been reduced and machine controls have become more efficient. At the same time, the developed flute grinding tools which meet these increasing requirements and which now enable the improved machine capacity to deliver a higher and more economic output. Matched to the application and the system environment, innovative flute grinding wheels are always the best solution.

Diamond grinding wheels for flute grinding are made from synthetic diamond particles that are bonded together with a metal or resin matrix. These wheels are extremely hard and durable, and are able to grind very hard materials such as carbide, ceramics, and glass. Diamond grinding wheels are typically used for flute grinding when the tool material being ground is very hard and wear-resistant.

CBN grinding wheels for flute grinding are made from cubic boron nitride particles that are bonded together with a metal or resin matrix. CBN is a synthetic material that is second only to diamond in hardness, making it an excellent choice for grinding hard materials such as hardened steels and superalloys. CBN grinding wheels are often used for flute grinding when the tool material being ground is less wear-resistant than carbide, but still too hard for conventional abrasives.

When choosing between diamond and CBN grinding wheels for flute grinding, the main considerations are the hardness and wear-resistance of the tool material being ground. If the tool material is very hard and wear-resistant, diamond grinding wheels are generally the better choice. If the tool material is less wear-resistant, but still too hard for conventional abrasives, CBN grinding wheels are often the better choice. It is also important to consider the grinding conditions, such as the speed and feed rate, when selecting a grinding wheel for flute grinding.