1. What is Grinding Wheel Speed?

Grinding wheel speed, measured in surface feet per minute (SFM), is the linear velocity of a point on the wheel's circumference. It's a critical parameter in metal grinding operations that affects wheel performance and workpiece quality.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the grinding wheel speed formula:

Where:

• \( V \) — Surface speed (sfm)
• \( d \) — Wheel diameter (inches)
• \( rpm \) — Wheel revolutions per minute

Explanation: The formula converts rotational speed (rpm) to linear speed (sfm) by accounting for the wheel's circumference and converting inches to feet.

3. Importance of Wheel Speed Calculation

Details: Proper wheel speed ensures efficient material removal, prevents wheel damage, and maintains surface finish quality. Excessive speed can cause wheel breakage, while insufficient speed reduces grinding efficiency.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter wheel diameter in inches and rotational speed in RPM. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will output the surface speed in SFM (surface feet per minute).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical grinding wheel speed for metal?
A: For aluminum oxide wheels, 5,500-6,500 SFM is common. For CBN wheels, 3,000-8,000 SFM is typical depending on the application.

Q2: How does wheel speed affect grinding?
A: Higher speeds increase material removal rate but generate more heat. Lower speeds provide better surface finish but may cause wheel glazing.

Q3: What happens if wheel speed is too high?
A: Excessive speed can cause wheel breakage due to centrifugal forces, overheating, and accelerated wheel wear.

Q4: How often should wheel speed be checked?
A: Whenever changing wheels or RPM settings, and periodically during operation as wheels wear down.

Q5: Does this calculation apply to all grinding wheels?
A: The formula is universal, but optimal speeds vary by wheel type (aluminum oxide, CBN, diamond) and bond material.