Flaring Cup Stones/Wheels

Type 11 Flaring Cup Stones/Wheels

Flaring cup stones (also referred to as type 11 wheels, grinding cup stones or cup wheels) are abrasive tools used in machining and grinding applications. They are made of abrasive materials such as aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, or diamond, depending on the specific requirements of the task. The wheel wheels have a cup-shaped design, where the abrasive material forms a conical or flaring shape (see the product image below).

Flaring cup stones can be used for precision grinding and shaping of hard materials such as metal, ceramics, and stone.  Here are examples of their use:

• Surface Grinding: Flaring cup stones are often used in surface grinding operations to remove material from the surface of a workpiece. They can be used to achieve smooth and flat finishes on metal parts or other materials.

• Tool Sharpening: These cup wheels are can be used for sharpening cutting tools like drill bits, end mills, and lathe tools. The cup shape allows for precise control and grinding of the tool's cutting edges.

• Beveling and Chamfering: Flaring cup stones are suitable for creating bevels and chamfers on workpiece edges. This is particularly important in tasks where a sharp edge is needed, such as in the preparation of metal components for welding.

• Grinding and Shaping Hard Materials: They are effective for grinding and shaping hard and brittle materials like carbide, ceramics, and glass. The abrasive material used in the cup wheel varies depending on the material being worked on.

• Inside/Interior Object Grinding: In some cases, flaring cup wheels are used for internal grinding operations, such as grinding the inside diameter of pipes or tubes.

• Polishing: Diamond flaring cup wheels, in particular, can be used for polishing and finishing hard materials to achieve a high-quality surface finish.

To use a flaring cup stone, mount it on a grinding machine or hand-held grinder. The cup wheel is then brought into contact with the workpiece, and the abrasive material grinds away material as it rotates. As always, remember to take proper safety precautions, such as wearing protective gear like safety glasses, gloves, and a mask.  These precautions are vital when using any abrasive tools as their use often generates sparks and/or dust particles.

It's important to select the appropriate type of flaring cup stone and abrasive material based on the specific material you are working on and the desired finish or grinding requirement. Additionally, regular maintenance and dressing of the cup wheel may be necessary to ensure consistent and effective grinding performance.