Round Tool Manufacturing with 3M Superabrasives

Round tool manufacturing includes complicated geometries and tight tolerances. That’s why choosing the right grinding wheels for the specific tool is essential. 3M diamond and CBN superabrasive wheels are an ideal solution for the complexity and precision required in the manufacturing of end mills, drills and other carbide and high speed steel cutting tools. Partnering with 3M means access to application engineers who work with customers around the world to provide optimal grinding wheels tailored to their specific needs.

Explore 3M solutions for rotary tool manufacturing

  • Round cutting tool graphic
Gashing with 3M™ Gashing Wheels

3M™ Gashing Wheel, shape 1V1, is used to grind a slot or notch along the cutting face to allow for chip flow. These gashing wheels are available in diamond and CBN mineral.

Primary Relief with 3M™ Primary Relief Wheels

3M™ Primary Relief Wheels with shapes 11V9, 12V9 and 11V5 are used to remove material directly behind the cutting edge, helping enhance chip clearance. This can be done with diamond or CBN mineral.

Cutting with 3M™ Cut-Off Wheel

3M™ Cut-Off Wheel shape 1A1R is used to trim blanks to length. They are typically used on the cutting end of the tool when re-grinding and on the shank end when forming a blank.

End Work with 3M™ Wheels for End Work

3M™ Wheels for End Work in shapes 11A2 and 11V2 are used to grind a small relief angle on the face (tip) of the tool, reducing the contact area between the tool and the workpiece.

Fluting with 3M™ Fluting Wheels

3M™ Fluting Wheels in shape 1A1 and 1V1 will grind either helical or straight grooves into the cutting tool body. This provides a pathway to permit the removal of chips, and to allow coolants to reach the cutting surface.

Secondary Relief with 3M™ Secondary Relief Wheels

3M™ Secondary Relief Wheels are used to grind a slight bevel next to the primary relief. We recommend wheel shape 11V9, 12V9 or 11V5.

OD Grinding

3M superabrasive wheels in shape 1A1 are ideal for grinding round cutting tool blanks to their final diameter. Our diamond and CBN wheels are optimized for OD grinding on carbide and high speed steel.


  • Technology Spotlight | X-Series Diamond Grinding Wheels

    Need to boost your productivity? It’s as simple as strength + quality. That’s the formula behind our new X-Series diamond grinding wheels for fluting. Featuring a hybrid bonded layer structure, 3M™ Hybrid Diamond Grinding Wheel 6PHU delivers the high strength and quality bond required to achieve consistent grinding performance in your round tool fluting applications.

  • Industry Spotlight | Round Tool Manufacturing

    Tough jobs require the right tools. Whether you need a diamond or CBN grinding wheel, there’s a 3M superabrasive solution for your specific round tool application. Download our catalog to explore 3M™ Superabrasive Wheels for Cutting Tools and request a custom quote today.



Contact Us

If you’re curious about custom abrasive solutions, we can help. Call 1-866-279-1235 and our precision grinding and finishing experts can get you what you need.


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