Tech Talk
What are "Plated (CBN & Diamond)" Wheels?
The plated process means only one layer of abrasive. This minimizes the option for truing and dressing (although cleaning can be accomplished, which is similar in some respect to dressing). The inside diameter of the wheel (the hole) must be a very tight fit to the spindle. The relationship of outside diameter to inside diameter must be close. The objective is to minimize the break in time (the amount of time needed to have contact with all the abrasive grains on the periphery of the wheel). However, when all the abrasive is cutting the stresses on the individual abrasive particles (those particles that have been doing the cutting) are greatly increased and shortly flats occur increasing the grinding forces and limiting the life of the wheel.
The only time plated wheel are recommended is when the form on the part is so severe as to make any other bond process cost prohibited.
