What is Glazing?
Glazing occurs when the abrasive grains on the wheel become dull, but the bond holding them is too hard to release them. The wheel stops cutting, rubs against the workpiece, generates extreme heat, and develops a shiny, glass-like appearance.
Causes of Glazing
- Wrong Wheel for the Job: Using a hard-bonded wheel on a hard material prevents the wheel from breaking down properly.
- Insufficient Pressure: If the operator doesn't push hard enough, the grains dull without breaking free.
- Underpowered Machine: A grinder that bogs down under load won't have the speed to fracture the grains.
The Solution
To fix a glazed wheel, dress it to expose fresh grains. To prevent it, ensure you are using the correct wheel specification (softer bond for harder materials) and apply consistent, appropriate pressure.