camshaft grinding with a vitrified CBN wheel

OD Grinding Solutions by 3M

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Cylindrical OD Grinding | 3M Precision Grinding and Finishing

Outside diameter (OD) grinding is one of the most common applications in precision grinding. This grinding process requires choosing the right grinding wheel specifications for your specific application and machine. Partner with 3M and choose from our wide selection of precision abrasives for OD grinding – including conventional abrasives and CBN or diamond superabrasives.

Conventional Abrasives for OD Grinding

We offer a full selection of conventional abrasives for OD grinding. Choose from ceramic, aluminum oxide and silicon carbide minerals depending on your grinding machine, substrate, material hardness and other factors in your operation.

Learn more about our conventional abrasive technologies
Superabrasives for OD Grinding

Our diamond and CBN superabrasives are optimized for cylindrical OD grinding on substrates like hardened steel and superalloys. Available in a range of forms and grades, our superabrasives can be customized to meet your specific application needs.

Learn more about our superabrasive technologies

Learn about OD grinding wheel performance:

When exploring a new abrasive wheel for OD grinding, it’s important to understand your current and potential grinding performance. The specific material removal rate, also known under the abbreviation Q’w, indicates how many mm3 are removed per second with a 1 mm-wide wheel. This value allows for a direct comparison between different grinding wheels and grinding processes.

Formula for calculating Q’w

Traverse grinding 〖Q'〗_w=(a_(e ) x n_(w ) x d_w x π)/60

Plunge grinding 〖Q'〗_w=(v_(f ) x d_(w ) x π)/60

To learn more about key OD grinding calculations and formulas, request a grinding booklet today.

Q' w - Values

Q'w mm3 / mm / s

Technology Spotlight | 3M Precision-Shaped Grain

3M Precision-Shaped Grain is the cutting-edge conventional abrasive technology behind 3M™ Cubitron™ II Vitrified Wheels. It’s designed with sharp, ceramic triangular structures that continually fracture when grinding to form new, sharp edges. This helps grinding wheels made from 3M Precision-Shaped Grain last longer than other grinding wheels.

Wheels made with precision-shaped grain use less energy than traditional ceramic wheels while diverting heat away from the substrate. These free-cutting characteristics combined with superior abrasive life can help improve efficiency and drive down costs in your cylindrical OD grinding process.

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If you’re curious about custom abrasive solutions, we can help. Fill out our contact form, start a chat or call 1-866-279-1235 and our precision grinding and finishing experts can get you what you need.