When it comes to grinding wheels, the choice between diamond and cubic boron nitride (CBN) depends on the material being worked on. Diamond, renowned for being the hardest material, excels in grinding a wide range of substances but struggles with steel due to its lower thermal tolerance. In contrast, CBN wheels are designed specifically for high-temperature applications, making them ideal for grinding steel and other hard alloys.
It is not advisable to use a diamond grinding wheel on steel. The high temperatures generated during the grinding process can cause the diamond to react with the carbon in the steel, leading to the deterioration of the diamond grit. This reaction diminishes the wheel's effectiveness and significantly reduces its lifespan. Therefore, for grinding steel, CBN wheels are the preferred choice due to their superior performance under high-temperature conditions.
