Contents

• Introduction to Mounted Points
• What Are Abrasive Mounted Points?
• Abrasive Materials: Tailoring Performance to Application
• Grit Sizes: Coarse to Fine Precision
• Shapes: Matching Geometry to Application
• How to Use Abrasive Mounted Points Effectively
• Compatible Tools and Accessories
• Applications by Industry
• Final Thoughts

Introduction to Mounted Points

Abrasive mounted points are essential tools in precision grinding, blending, deburring, and finishing applications. They are the go-to choice for many industries—including metalworking, aerospace, tool & die, and automotive repair—where detailed, fine work is required in hard-to-reach areas.

This expert’s guide breaks down everything you need to know about mounted points: abrasive materials, grit sizes, shapes, and best-use practices, plus the accessories that help you get the most out of them

What Are Abrasive Mounted Points?

Mounted points are small grinding wheels permanently fastened to a steel shank. They are used on high-speed rotary tools, die grinders, and straight grinders for finishing, precision grinding, and deburring metal, plastic, stone, and other materials.

Abrasive Materials: Tailoring Performance to Application

The abrasive grain determines how the mounted point cuts, how long it lasts, and which materials it's best suited for.

Aluminium Oxide (AO):

• Use: Ferrous metals, general-purpose grinding.

• Properties: Tough, durable, excellent for carbon steel and alloy steel.

Silicon Carbide (SiC):

• Use: Non-ferrous metals, stone, glass, and ceramics.

• Properties: Sharp and brittle. Great for hard, non-metallic surfaces.

Zirconia Alumina:

• Use: Heavy stock removal on stainless steel and superalloys.

• Properties: Self-sharpening, high durability.

Ceramic Alumina:

• Use: High-performance applications requiring aggressive cutting.

• Properties: Longest-lasting, cooler cutting, high-speed grinding.

Rubber-bonded or Resin-bonded abrasives:

• Use: Polishing and fine finishing.

• Properties: Flexible and forgiving—great for polishing contours.

Grit Sizes: Coarse to Fine Precision

Grit size determines the aggressiveness and finish quality of the mounted point.

Tip: Use coarser grits for faster stock removal, and finer grits for smoother surface finishes.

Shapes: Matching Geometry to Application

Shape matters when accessing complex contours or hard-to-reach areas.

Common Shapes:

• A (Cylinder): Flat surfaces and straight edges.

• B (Conical): Tapered areas, narrow slots, and fine detail work.

• W (Wheel): Face and side grinding on flat areas.

• D (Ball): Concave surfaces, radius grinding.

• Wedge and Tree Shapes: Excellent for internal diameters and corners.

• Flame & Bullet: Intricate forms and contour finishing.

Tip: Choose the shape that matches the geometry of the part you're working on to improve control and accuracy.

How to Use Abrasive Mounted Points Effectively

Step-by-Step Best Practices:

Choose the Right RPM:

• Stay within the rated speed for the mounted point (commonly 15,000–30,000 RPM).

• Match with your tool’s speed settings to prevent burning or premature wear.

Apply Light Pressure:

• Let the abrasive do the work—excess pressure causes glazing and reduces tool life.

Use in Short Intervals:

• Prevent overheating by working in bursts. This also maintains sharpness.

Check Run-Out and Balance:

• Ensure proper mounting to avoid wobble, especially at high speeds.

Dress the Point as Needed:

• Use a dressing stone to restore shape or expose fresh grains.

Compatible Tools and Accessories

To get the best performance from mounted points, pair them with the right tools:

Power Tools:

• Die Grinders (Electric or Pneumatic):

• Ideal for most mounted point applications.

• Flexible Shaft Grinders:

• Great for extended reach and precision control.

• Dremel Rotary Tools:

• Good for hobby-level or light-duty precision grinding.

Accessories:

• Collets/Chucks:

  Ensure a snug fit for 1/4", 1/8", or 3mm shanks.

• Tool Rests and Safety Guards:

• Maintain control and operator safety.

• Lubricants or Coolants:

• Reduce heat and improve surface finish (especially on stainless and aluminium).

• Dressing Stones:

• Used to true and clean mounted points.

Applications by Industry

• Metalworking: Deburring machined parts, sharpening tools, surface preparation.
  

• Jewellery & Crafting: Precision shaping, engraving, fine polishing.
  

• Aerospace: Finishing turbine blades and critical components.
  

• Automotive: Porting cylinder heads, removing welds, polishing dies.
  

• Dental and Orthopaedic Tools: Precision contouring and finishing.

Final Thoughts

Abrasive mounted points may seem simple, but choosing the right combination of material, shape, and grit—paired with good technique and compatible tools—can make a huge difference in productivity and finish quality.

Whether you're removing burrs, grinding welds, or polishing a fine detail, mounted points are a powerful ally in the hands of a skilled technician. Please contact our technical team on 01924 869 615 or email sales@cutwel.net.