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- What Are Mounted Points? A Complete Guide to Types, Applications, Uses, and Selection
What Are Mounted Points? A Complete Guide
to Types, Applications, Uses, and Selection
Mounted Points are grinding tools widely used for grinding, deburring, polishing, and surface finishing of metal components.
They can be attached to rotary tools such as die grinders and micro grinders, making them suitable for machining small components, complex shapes, and narrow areas.
However, Mounted Points are available with various abrasive grains, bonding materials (bonds), shapes, and grit sizes. If the appropriate type is not selected according to the machining application and workpiece material, the Mounted Point may not be able to demonstrate its full performance.
This article clearly explains the basics of Mounted Points, their types, applications, how to use them, and how to select them according to the workpiece material.
What Are Mounted Points?
Mounted Points, also called mounted grinding stones, are grinding and polishing tools consisting of a grinding stone with a metal shaft (shank) attached to it.
They are generally attached to high-speed rotary tools such as die grinders and micro grinders and are used for fine grinding, deburring, and polishing.
While conventional grinding wheels, mainly straight grinding wheels, are used for machining flat surfaces and outer circumferences, Mounted Points can also be used in areas that are difficult to machine with straight grinding wheels, such as:
- Narrow grooves
- Small-diameter holes
- Curved surfaces
- Complex shapes
In addition, machining characteristics vary significantly depending on the abrasive grains, bonding materials (bonds), grit size, and shape used.
Therefore, it is important to select the appropriate Mounted Point according to the application and machining conditions.
Main Types of Mounted Points
The applications of Mounted Points vary depending on the abrasive grains, bonding materials, and shapes.
| Type | Main Abrasive Grains | Main Bonding Materials | Features and Benefits | Main Workpiece Materials | Main Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional Mounted Points | Aluminum Oxide (WA/A) Silicon Carbide (GC/C) |
Vitrified Resinoid |
・Wide variety of types for a broad range of machining applications ・Suitable for a wide range of metal materials |
General steel, cast iron, stainless steel, aluminum, etc. | A wide range of applications, including grinding, deburring, chamfering, polishing, and surface finishing |
| Diamond Mounted Points | Diamond | Resin, Metal, Electroplated (Electroplated Nickel) |
・Suitable for machining extremely hard materials ・Electroplated types offer excellent cutting performance |
Cemented carbide, ceramics, glass, stone, etc. | Grinding and forming of high-hardness and brittle materials such as cemented carbide, ceramics, glass, and stone |
| Mounted-Point Rubber Grinding Stones （Elastic Grinding Stones） |
Aluminum Oxide, Silicon Carbide, etc. | Rubber | ・Elasticity allows the stone to conform easily to the workpiece surface ・Helps achieve a uniform finish while suppressing excessive material removal |
Steel, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, mold materials, precious metals, etc. | Deburring, polishing, and surface finishing (some products are also suitable for grinding) |
The important point is not which type is superior, but rather selecting the appropriate type according to the machining application and workpiece material.
Mounted Point Shapes and Applications
It is important to select the shape of a Mounted Point according to the shape of the machining area and the intended machining purpose. Selecting the appropriate shape can improve not only machining efficiency but also the quality of the finished surface.
| Shape | Features | Main Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Cylindrical | The most common shape with a large contact area | Grinding flat surfaces and side surfaces, deburring, surface finishing |
| Conical | The narrow tip makes it easy to reach confined areas | Chamfering, grooves, machining narrow areas |
| Spherical | Conforms easily to curved surfaces | Polishing and surface finishing of R sections and recessed areas, chamfering |
| Tapered | Can easily reach recessed areas | Groove machining, grinding and deburring of detailed areas |
| Pointed / Bullet | Easily follows complex shapes | Grinding, polishing, and finishing of molds and precision components |
Mounted Points are used in a wide range of processes, including grinding, deburring, chamfering, polishing, and surface finishing.
Using the appropriate shape according to the machining area, such as flat surfaces, curved surfaces, grooves, and narrow areas, contributes to high-quality and efficient machining.
What Tools Are Used with Mounted Points?
Mounted Points are used by attaching their shafts to electric grinders or micro grinders and rotating them.
Typical tools include the following.
| Tool | Features | Main Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Grinder | Rotational speed can be adjusted | Finishing, hobby applications, precision machining, mold machining |
| Air Grinder | Suitable for high-power and long-duration work | Deburring, grinding, finishing |
Especially in precision machining, rotational speed and tool runout can affect the finished surface. Therefore, it is important to select not only the appropriate Mounted Point but also the appropriate tool.
How to Select Mounted Points by Workpiece Material
The appropriate type of Mounted Point varies depending on the material being machined.
| Workpiece Material | Recommended Grinding Stone |
|---|---|
| General Steel / Mild Steel | Conventional Mounted Points / Rubber Grinding Stones |
| Hardened Steel | Conventional Mounted Points / Rubber Grinding Stones |
| Cemented Carbide | Diamond Mounted Points / Rubber Grinding Stones |
| Ceramics / Glass | Diamond Mounted Points / Rubber Grinding Stones |
| Non-ferrous Metals such as Aluminum and Brass | Conventional Grinding Stones or Rubber Grinding Stones depending on the application |
| Curved / Complex-Shaped Components | Rubber Grinding Stones (Elastic Grinding Stones) |
For example, aluminum generally tends to have chips adhere to the tool, and depending on the type of tool used, loading may occur.
Depending on the application and machining conditions, selecting a tool with characteristics that help suppress loading can contribute to improved machining stability.
In addition, for components with curved or complex shapes, conformity to the machining surface is also an important factor when selecting a tool.
How to Select Mounted Points
When selecting a Mounted Point, it is important to comprehensively consider the following points.
- Workpiece material (steel, aluminum, cemented carbide, etc.)
- Machining purpose (grinding, deburring, polishing, finishing)
- Type of abrasive grain
- Grit size
- Shape
- Bonding material (bond)
- Tool used
- Rotational speed and machining conditions
For example:
- When a large amount of material needs to be removed, select a grinding stone that emphasizes grinding performance.
- When surface quality is a priority, select a grinding stone while considering a fine grit size and conformity to the machining surface.
Selecting the appropriate product according to the intended purpose in this way contributes to improved machining quality and work efficiency.
Rubber Grinding Stones as an Option
Rubber Grinding Stones are Mounted Points that use rubber as the bonding material (bond).
Their rubber elasticity allows them to conform easily to the machining surface. Compared with rigid grinding stones, they are less prone to bouncing and chatter, and depending on the application and machining conditions, they can help suppress excessive material removal and uneven machining while making it easier to achieve a stable finish.
In addition, Rubber Grinding Stones have excellent self-sharpening action due to their rubber elasticity. As the rubber gradually wears away, old abrasive grains are released and new abrasive grains appear on the surface. As a result, dressing (truing and dressing) required for conventional grinding stones may be reduced in some cases.
Conventional Rubber Grinding Stones are mainly designed for polishing and finishing and are most often used for applications that focus on "polishing" rather than "removing material."
On the other hand, Daiwa Rabin Co., Ltd.'s Elastic Grinding Stones "DAIWA RABIN" include products, particularly the CM Series, that feature excellent cutting performance not found in conventional Rubber Grinding Stones due to their proprietary abrasive grain design.
Although they are not tools intended to remove large amounts of material like conventional grinding wheels, depending on the application and machining conditions, they can be used across a wide range of processes, including deburring and polishing as well as light grinding, thereby contributing to improved manufacturing process efficiency and cost reduction.
Please note that the machining applications and performance available vary depending on product specifications, including grit size, grade, shape, and abrasive grain type. It is important to select the appropriate product according to the machining purpose and workpiece material.
Conclusion
Mounted Points are important machining tools used in a wide range of machining processes, including grinding, deburring, polishing, and surface finishing.
Their characteristics vary significantly depending on the abrasive grains, bonding materials, shapes, and grit sizes. Therefore, selecting the appropriate tool according to the workpiece material, workpiece shape, required quality, and tool being used contributes to high-quality and efficient machining.
Daiwa Rabin Co., Ltd. offers Elastic Grinding Stones suited to the application, including appropriate grit sizes, grades, and shapes, according to the workpiece material, machining application, and equipment being used.
If you have difficulty selecting a Mounted Point, we also provide samples and technical consultations. Please feel free to contact us.
