Swarf is telling you something
Swarf, which is the result of particles being removed when grinding hard or difficult-to-machine materials, tells a story.
Swarf, which is the result of particles being removed when grinding hard or difficult-to-machine materials, tells a story. Many different abrasive types and abrasive grain sizes are applied to grind these materials.
Parts manufacturers choose precision abrasive grinding when other machining methods are not able to obtain the specified size, tolerance or surface finish. An abrasive grit or mesh is selected to achieve the required result.
Conventional and ceramic abrasives are called grit particles, whereas superabrasives are referred to as mesh particles. Both types of particles are screened and sized to achieve the appropriate sieve sizes.
Grinding hardened steel with an SG wheel produced this swarf. Image courtesy of Diamond Industrial Tools.com.
To determine the best abrasive size, end users must know the capabilities of the machine to be used. Workpiece material hardness and tolerance, surface finish and productivity requirements also play a role in choosing the correct abrasive size and type when grinding.
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