High Hardness and Wear Resistance: Titanium carbide and titanium nitride are extremely hard materials, making these blades highly resistant to abrasion and capable of maintaining a sharp edge.
Thermal Stability: The metallic components in the cermet help to dissipate heat effectively, reducing the risk of thermal damage to the workpiece.
Chemical Stability: Ti-based cermets are generally chemically inert, which minimizes the risk of oxidation or other chemical reactions during grinding.
Toughness: Although cermets are hard, the metallic matrix provides a degree of toughness that prevents brittle failure, which is common in pure ceramic materials.
Machining of Hard Materials: These blades are particularly suited for grinding hard, wear-resistant materials such as hardened steels, hard coatings, and other cermets.
Precision Grinding: Used in applications requiring high precision and fine finishes, such as in the aerospace and automotive industries.
Tool Sharpening: Ideal for sharpening high-speed steel and carbide tools, where maintaining a sharp, precise edge is crucial.
Proper Handling: Ti-based cermet blades should be handled with care to avoid chipping or cracking. They are hard but can be brittle.
Regular Dressing: Despite their wear resistance, these blades still require regular dressing to expose fresh, sharp abrasive grains and to maintain grinding efficiency.
Appropriate Speeds: Operating at the correct speeds, as recommended by the manufacturer, is crucial to avoid excessive thermal or mechanical stress on the blade.
Safety Considerations
Eye Protection: Always use safety glasses or face shields to protect against flying particles.
Respiratory Protection: Grinding can generate fine dust, which may be harmful if inhaled. Use appropriate respiratory protection if necessary.
Machine Guarding: Ensure that grinding machines are equipped with appropriate guards to protect the operator from debris and accidental contact with the wheel.