New Univel G-Force Patented Superabrasive Wheels Decrease Round Tool Flute Grinding Cost 30 Percent or More.

WORCESTER, Mass. -- High-performance Univel G-Force Wheels from Saint-Gobain Abrasives generate greater metal removal rates and dramatically reduce cycle times on carbide and steel round tools

Univel G-Force patented hybrid polyimide superabrasive grinding wheels yield a higher level of grinding productivity, consistent grinding performance throughout the life of the wheel and reduced residual stress after grinding, due to a grain-locking mechanism and a self-dressing wear-resistant bond. The Univel G-Force grinding will be featured at the Saint-Gobain booth, #B-7033, at IMTS 2006.

Univel G-Force superabrasive wheels have been field-proven to reduce total grinding by 30 percent or more over the current generation of high-performance diamond wheels by reducing cycle times and wheel dressing requirements.

Univel G-Force wheels require less reconditioning than current generation superabrasive products and wheel profiles can be regenerated on the machine by using a 12,000 rpm MaxTORQ-BPR dressing system from the Wheel Dress division of Saint-Gobain Abrasives. The innovative bond structure of Univel G-Force wheels eliminates the need for stick dressing or dressing with a diamond roll after being profiled.

In a production application on 6mm diameter X 2-flute high-performance tungsten carbide drills, G-Force wheels were used to grind flutes @ .079-inch depth in one pass at 12 IPM on an 11 Hp grinder. Parts per wheel doubled, cycle time was cut by one-third and cost per part was reduced by 31 percent. In this application, no stick dressing was required and the wheel profile was regenerated on the machine with a MaxTORQ- BPR device. On a 3/4-inch diameter X 4-flute, 1.5-inch flute length, 30-degree end mill, G-Force wheels ground flutes to .135-inch depth in one pass at 6 IPM and 3000 SFPM (15 MPS). Parts per wheel increased 2.5 times, cycle time was cut by 30 percent and cost per part was reduced by 32 percent.

All Univel G-Force wheel packs are made to order and are custom-engineered for specific applications, materials and machines.

Univel and MaxTorq are brands of Saint-Gobain Abrasives, a division of Compagnie de Saint-Gobain. Saint-Gobain (Paris) is a leading producer of construction products (building materials, gypsum products, insulation and pipe), high-performance materials (abrasives, ceramics, high-performance plastics, and reinforcements), flat glass, and glass containers. The company is also a leading distributor of building products in Europe. One of the top 100 industrial companies in the world, Saint-Gobain's 2005 sales approximated $43.7 billion. In the United States and Canada, Saint-Gobain employs about 25,000 people and has approximately 200 manufacturing locations.

Saint-Gobain's web site is www.saint-gobain.com.