Saint-Gobain New Product Grinding Technology Exchange Conference
July 27 11:34:37, 2025
During the China International Machine Tool Show, Saint-Gobain Abrasives organized a technical seminar focused on the latest advancements in grinding technology and their application within the automotive and auto parts manufacturing sectors. This event provided a platform for industry professionals to explore how cutting-edge abrasive solutions can enhance efficiency, precision, and performance in modern production environments.
Saint-Gobain Abrasives, established in 1665, is a key division of the Saint-Gobain Group, a global leader in high-tech materials and services. Headquartered in France, the group has a long-standing reputation for innovation and quality. As one of the world's largest manufacturers of abrasives, Saint-Gobain offers a comprehensive range of products under its three flagship brands: NORTON, WINTER, and FLEXOVIT. The company is unique in producing all five categories of abrasive products, including bonded abrasives, coated abrasives, industrial superabrasives, resin cutting and polishing tools, and diamond products for construction applications.
At the event, the focus was on advanced grinding technologies, particularly the use of diamond and cubic boron nitride (CBN) superabrasives. These materials are increasingly being adopted in the automotive industry due to their superior hardness, wear resistance, thermal stability, and heat conductivity compared to traditional abrasives like alumina or silicon carbide. They are especially effective in machining difficult-to-cut materials, offering improved efficiency and surface finish.
One example highlighted was the use of ceramic bond CBN wheels in camshaft grinding. These wheels significantly boost productivity, with a recommended working speed of at least 60m/s to ensure optimal performance, longer wheel life, and high-quality surface finishes. The technology not only improves efficiency but also reduces downtime and maintenance costs.
In addition, as electronic devices become more sophisticated, the demand for precise tooling in mold manufacturing has risen. For instance, in slot grinding applications, the need for ultra-fine grooves with sharp, accurate edges has led to the development of specialized grinding wheels. Norton Hummingbird, a high-performance ceramic tool grinding wheel from Saint-Gobain, uses premium corundum abrasives and an innovative ceramic bond called Vitrium 3. This combination ensures excellent shape retention, uniform structure, and stable grinding performance, making it ideal for high-precision tasks.
Vitrium 3, introduced globally in 2013, represents a breakthrough in bonding technology, setting new standards in "super-precision and high-efficiency" grinding. Compared to conventional binders, Vitrium 3 delivers better grinding efficiency, reduced surface roughness, extended wheel life, and higher machining accuracy. It is particularly well-suited for high-speed grinding applications, such as those found in aerospace, automotive, and bearing manufacturing. With a maximum grinding speed of up to 80m/s, Vitrium 3 helps reduce wheel dressing frequency and minimizes workpiece burn, making it a preferred choice for demanding industrial environments.