1. What is Grinding Wheel Surface Speed?

Surface speed (SFM) is the linear velocity of a point on the circumference of the grinding wheel. It's a critical parameter in grinding operations that affects wheel wear, material removal rate, and surface finish.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the surface speed formula:

Where:

• \( V \) — Surface speed (sfm)
• \( diameter \) — Grinding wheel diameter (in)
• \( rpm \) — Rotational speed (revolutions per minute)

Explanation: The formula converts rotational speed to linear speed at the wheel's circumference, with the division by 12 converting inches to feet.

3. Importance of Surface Speed Calculation

Details: Proper surface speed selection is essential for optimal grinding performance, wheel life, and workpiece quality. Excessive speed can cause wheel breakage, while insufficient speed reduces 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 surface speed in surface feet per minute (SFM).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical surface speed for grinding wheels?
A: It varies by wheel type: Aluminum oxide wheels typically run at 5,500-6,500 SFM, while CBN wheels can operate at 8,000-12,000 SFM.

Q2: How does surface speed affect grinding?
A: Higher speeds increase material removal rate but may reduce wheel life and increase heat generation. Lower speeds improve finish but reduce productivity.

Q3: What happens if I exceed the wheel's maximum speed?
A: The wheel may break apart due to centrifugal forces, creating a serious safety hazard. Always stay below the manufacturer's rated speed.

Q4: How do I convert SFM to m/s?
A: Multiply SFM by 0.00508 to get meters per second (m/s).

Q5: Why is surface speed more important than RPM?
A: Surface speed accounts for wheel diameter, making it a more universal parameter than RPM when comparing different wheel sizes.