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A grinding wheel specification is a coded marking on the wheel that describes its abrasive type, grit size, hardness grade, structure, and bond. Understanding the grinding wheel specification lets you choose the right wheel for your material and finish.
What Is a Grinding Wheel Specification?
Grinding wheels carry a standardized marking such as "A 46 N 5 V" or "C 60 K 7 V". Each letter and number stands for a specific property of the wheel. Reading the specification correctly is essential for safe and efficient grinding.
The Grinding Wheel Marking System Explained
The first letter indicates the abrasive type. A is aluminium oxide for steel and ferrous metals, C is silicon carbide for non-ferrous materials, WA is white aluminium oxide for hardened steel, and CBN or diamond letters mark superabrasive wheels.
Abrasive Type: A, C, and More
The grit number indicates abrasive grain size. Coarse grits (16-24) remove material fast; medium grits (36-60) suit general grinding; fine grits (80-220) give smooth finishes. The grade letter (A soft to Z hard) controls how tightly the grains are held.
Grit Size and Grade
Structure numbers (1-15) describe grain spacing - open structure for cool grinding and soft materials, dense structure for heavy pressure. The bond letter (V vitrified, B resinoid, R rubber, M metal) holds the grains and determines wheel characteristics.
Structure and Bond Types
- Abrasive: A = aluminium oxide (steel), C = silicon carbide (non-ferrous), WA = white aluminium oxide (hardened steel).
- Grit: 16-24 coarse (fast removal), 36-60 medium (general), 80-220 fine (finish).
- Grade: A (soft) to Z (hard); hard materials need softer grades, soft materials need harder grades.
- Structure: 1 (dense) to 15 (open); open structure for cool cutting, dense for heavy pressure.
- Bond: V = vitrified (precision), B = resinoid (cutoff), R = rubber, M = metal (superabrasive).
How to Read Common Wheel Markings
For example, "A 46 N 5 V" is an aluminium oxide wheel, grit 46, medium-hard grade N, structure 5, vitrified bond - a typical general-purpose grinding wheel. "WA 80 J 8 V" is white aluminium oxide, fine grit, soft grade, open structure for hardened steel finishing.
Matching the Specification to Your Job
For help choosing the right grinding wheel for your application, send us your material, finish, and machine parameters.
Match the specification to your work: coarse grit and hard grade for soft materials and heavy removal, fine grit and soft grade for hard materials and fine finish. Consult the wheel marking chart or our engineers to select the correct wheel.
