We've found that cryogenic processing has a great effect on grinding wheels. Both plated super abrasive wheels and vitreous bonded wheels respond but to different degrees.

Plated super abrasive wheels can get about four times the life. We've even applied for a patent on this process. Tests at automotive plants show consistent results. Because the wheels stay sharper, there is a reduction in tensile residual stresses induced into the work piece, and the desired surface finish is easier to obtain. Plated wheels are expensive, and cryogenic processing can make them much more cost effective.

We've also treated vitreous bonded wheels. Again, they stay sharper longer with less need for dressing. We believe that we are affecting the crystal structure in the grinding grain, which makes the grain stay sharper longer.

Cryogenic processing can really reduce production costs.