WA applicable materials: Hardened steel, high-speed steel, alloy steel, thin-walled components, thread/gear/cutter sharpening, precision grinding where workpiece burn must be avoided.
For heavy-stock rough grinding, select A brown fused alumina. For cemented carbide, select GC green silicon carbide.
1) Grit – Controls cutting efficiency and surface roughness
- Rough grinding, large stock removal, scale removal: 36#, 46#
- Semi-finish grinding, conventional cylindrical / surface grinding: 60#, 80# (most widely used)
- Finish grinding, cutter sharpening: 100#, 120#
- Mirror / high-gloss finishing: 180# and above, W-series microgrit
2) Wheel Grade (Hardness Grade)
Definition: How firmly the bond holds abrasive grains, not the hardness of WA abrasive grains.
Soft → Hard sequence: E F G H J K L M N P Q R S T
- Hardened steel HRC50~62 (die steel, HSS): J, K (standard WA vitrified wheels)
- Medium-hard tempered steel, moderate contact area: L, M
- Thin-walled parts, high burn risk, insufficient coolant: Prefer J, K (worn grains fall off automatically to keep self-sharpening and avoid burn cracks)
- Wheel wears too fast → choose one harder grade
- Workpiece burning, loading, discoloration → choose one softer grade
3) Bond Type
- V Vitrified Bond
- High rigidity, excellent form retention, abundant pores for good heat dissipation. Suitable for surface grinding, cylindrical grinding, tool grinding and form grinding. Ideal for mass precision machining; mainstream type of Wanyuan Grinding Wheel.
- B Resinoid Bond
Flexible and impact-resistant; thin wheels resist cracking. Suitable for cut-off, centerless grinding and light form grinding. Easy to age and deform at high temperature; not for long-duration heavy cutting.
WA wheels with rubber (R) or metal (M) bond are uncommon and not recommended for regular purchase.
4) Structure – Pore density
- Dense structure (4~6): Form grinding, high contour accuracy requirement
- Medium structure (7~8): General surface / cylindrical grinding (standard for WA)
- Open structure (9~12): For workpieces easy to clog and thin-walled parts sensitive to burn; improves chip evacuation and heat dissipation
5) Dimensions & Wheel Shape
Straight, one-side recessed, two-side recessed, cup, flaring cup, centerless regulating wheel, cylinder and other special profiles.
Must strictly match machine flange, maximum rated speed and peripheral speed for safety.