Sharpening with Diamond Grinding Wheels

- on the Tormek water-cooled sharpening system

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1. Knowledge
2. The Tormek Way of Sharpening
3. Sharpening with Diamond Grinding Wheels

Consistent Shape and Flat Bevel

We are pleased to offer diamond grinding wheels in three distinct grades: coarse (360 grit), fine (600 grit), and extra fine (1200 grit). Diamond, being the hardest material known, operates efficiently with our machines' low rotational speeds. With Tormek's diamond grinding wheels, you can effectively sharpen various materials such as steel, HSS, ceramics, and carbide.

• Sharpens all materials.
• Maintains a constant diameter and shape, simplifying jig settings and enabling a completely flat bevel on the side of the grinding wheel using the MB-102 Multi Base.
• Use low pressure while sharpening and allow the diamonds to perform the work.
• Utilize less water in the trough when using diamond grinding wheels compared to traditional grindstones.
• Always incorporate ACC-150 Anti-Corrosion Concentrate to avert rust formation when using water.
• Lower the water trough post sharpening to enable the diamond grinding wheel to drain.
• Diamond is harder than CBN, making it ideal for low RPM sharpening.
• CBN is often utilized for high-speed sharpening due to diamond's breakdown from increased temperatures.
• Thanks to Tormek's low speed, harmful temperatures for diamond wheels are never reached, allowing for versatile sharpening.
• Assess your requirements when selecting your grinding wheel.

This is Why We Love Diamonds

In our engaging video, CEO Håkan discusses the development of our diamond grinding wheels. He illuminates Tormek's decision to choose diamond over alternative abrasives and addresses frequently raised queries.

Alongside the diamond grinding wheels featured in the video, we offer three more variants: DC-200 Diamond Wheel Coarse, DF-200 Diamond Wheel Fine, and DE-200 Diamond Wheel Extra Fine. These fit the Tormek T-4 and earlier models having a grinding wheel diameter of 200 mm (7 7/8 inches).

The Structure of the Diamond Grinding Wheels

Tormek’s Diamond Wheels feature a precision-machined steel frame. The frame is covered with a single layer of diamond grit, securely anchored with nickel.

Additionally, the Tormek Diamond Wheels possess a diamond layer on the side, facilitating sharpening along the side of the grinding wheel with the MB-102 Multi Base, producing a fully flat bevel.

Use a Lower Sharpening Pressure

New diamond wheels are particularly sensitive to excessive pressure, as the grits are extremely sharp. It is advisable to sharpen with minimal pressure initially. You may observe that the diamond grinding wheel appears aggressive during the first few uses, yielding a coarser surface.

After a brief break-in period, the diamond crystals will stabilize, delivering a finer surface. When sharpening with diamond, opt for a lesser sharpening pressure compared to grindstones. If uncertain, begin with lower pressure and gradually increase it.

Diamond and CBN: What’s the Difference?

Synthetic diamond is perfect for tool grinding and is often used in manufacturing whetstones where peak performance is critical. CBN, or Cubic Boron Nitride, is recognized as the second hardest material in the world according to the Knoop scale. Diamond grits possess greater hardness and maintain superior cutting properties compared to CBN, resulting in faster sharpening.

CBN is more suitable for traditional bench grinders, as high speeds can generate heat that degrades diamond grits. With the Tormek method, where sharpening operates at low speeds (90-100 RPM), we are able to utilize diamond—the hardest material available—without harmful heat generation, ensuring tools do not risk overheating.

The accompanying diagram indicates various materials and their hardness on the Knoop scale.

The other diagram illustrates the reduction in diamond hardness at elevated temperatures.

New Possibilities With Diamond Grinding Wheels

The distinctive characteristics of diamond offer high, consistent abrasive power, maintaining a wheel that retains its full-size diameter and flat surface. This feature is particularly beneficial if you frequently sharpen the same tool, simplifying both the settings and grinding process. Our Diamond Wheels additionally have a diamond layer on the exterior, allowing for a perfectly flat grinding surface when paired with the MB-102 Multi Base.

You can switch between sharpening with a grindstone and a diamond wheel on the same machine. The heavier particles from the grinding wheels settle at the bottom of the trough, ensuring that your diamond wheels won't be compromised through contact with stone particles and vice versa.

How Long Will a Diamond Grinding Wheel Last?

The longevity of a diamond wheel is influenced by various external factors such as frequency of sharpening, sharpening pressure, and how often you reshape your tools. Consequently, it is challenging to provide a precise lifespan. However, numerous professionals have reported using our diamond wheels in their workshops for over a year without observable deterioration. In comparison to CBN, diamond wheels possess a significantly extended lifespan, owing to their superior hardness and resistance to abrasion.

For discussions regarding your needs in Diamond Grinding Shoes Wholesale, feel free to reach out. Our experienced sales team is ready to assist you in identifying the best options for your requirements.

The maintenance of your Tormek Diamond Wheel also plays a crucial role in determining its lifespan. We advocate for always sharpening with water, as it enhances the diamond wheel's longevity. While sharpening with water, make sure to use ACC-150 Anti-Corrosion Concentrate to prevent rust.

ACC-150 Anti-Corrosion Concentrate for Rust Prevention

It is recommended to always utilize water with Tormek's Diamond Wheels, as water-cooled sharpening prolongs wheel life while providing a finer surface. However, it is possible to sharpen without water as well.

When the diamond layer encounters swarf from your tool, pores may form in the nickel coating, exposing the steel core. Hence, always mix ACC-150 Anti-Corrosion Concentrate into the water while sharpening to avoid rust on the grinding wheel. Add 10 ml of concentrate to 250 ml of water (~4%). Each diamond grinding wheel is supplied with a 150 ml bottle of anti-corrosion concentrate.

If you wish to save the mixture overnight, ensure you lower the water trough to prevent discoloration on the diamond wheel. As long as water remains in the trough, the concentrate maintains its properties.

It is essential to note that ACC-150 does not contain any fungicide, therefore ensuring no biological particles are left in the trough if you intend to keep the mixture. It is also advisable to allow the diamond wheel to drain after use.

Diamond Grinding Wheels

Exceptional wear resistance and constant shape

Now even more multi

MB-102 Multi Base

Achieve a flat bevel, or adapt horizontal mounts to vertical

ACC-150 Anti-Corrosion Concentrate

Protects diamond grinding wheels against rust

When is a Grinding Wheel Worn Out?

Last reviewed by the Product Safety Team in December.

GOING, GOING, GONE!

We frequently receive inquiries regarding the appropriate time to discard a grinding wheel. The answer varies based on the wheel type and application. Below, we present some common grinding wheel types and the criteria for determining wear.

Type 1 (Straight Wheels)

According to ANSI B7.1, "The usable portion of an abrasive wheel shall be considered to be that portion which extends beyond the mounting flanges. A wheel shall not be worn down to a size that would permit the mounting flange assembly to contact the workpiece or workpiece holding fixture." This guideline assumes appropriate flanges are used and correct machine guarding is implemented. WARNING: Avoid grinding with the fine center or core of any wheel, as these areas are not designed for grinding. Steel rings within these centers may damage the grinding machine upon contact.

Type 2 or Cylinder Wheels and Segments

The machine will dictate the discard size, i.e. the down-feed mechanism will prevent the wheel from contacting the workpiece. WARNING: Always adhere to proper mounting procedures with this type of product. Never loosen the mount and lower the wheel or segment below the machine's designed clamping mechanism, as this is a significant cause of wheel/segment breakage.

Type 5 & 7 (Recessed Wheels)

Wheels with recesses cannot be worn down to their mounting flanges, as the edges of the recess may spall away. For Types 5 & 7 recessed wheels, factors like wheel grit size, application, and user experience will inform the best approach. If uncertainty persists, discard the wheel while still 1/8 inch away from the recess.

Type 6 & 11 (Portable Cup Wheels)

Portable cup wheels should be discarded when the machine guard inhibits proper grinding. In this case, the appropriate guard will determine the discard size by preventing additional grinding on the wheel's rim. WARNING: Never remove a worn cup wheel from its grinder and use it on an inline grinder or other machinery. Avoid grinding on the outer periphery of a cup wheel!

Type 6 & 11 (Cup Wheels for Precision Applications i.e. Fixed Based Machines)

On fixed-base machines equipped with non-portable cup wheels, prevent contact with the back of the cup wheel or the mounting flange assembly from contacting the workpiece holding fixture. WARNING: Maintain a safe distance to avoid unintentional contact with the back of the cup or the mounting flange during grinding.

Type 27, 29 or Raised Hub Wheels

Similar to portable cup wheels, Type 27, 28, or raised hub wheels require proper guarding to ascertain the correct discard size. If the application allows wearing the wheel to a stub, cease grinding before the mounting flanges make contact, and do not use the wheel's hub for grinding.

Type 16, 17, 18, 19 and 52 (Cones, Plugs, Mounted Points, and Mounted Wheels)

These products typically do not require guards and are not mounted between flanges, allowing users to gauge usage duration easily. To prevent spindle contact while grinding, monitor product wear, spindle dimensions, and grit size. Discard the product when it is 3/16 inches from the spindle diameter for 36-grit and coarser products, and 1/8 inch for 46-grit and finer products.

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