The word "carborundum wheel" is spelled /kɑːrbəˈrʌndəm wiːl/. The first part, "carborundum", is spelled with a "c" and "o" but pronounced with a "k" and "a" sound, respectively. This is because the word is actually a trademark for a type of abrasive material made from silicon carbide. The second part, "wheel", is spelled as it is pronounced. Together, the word refers to a type of grinding wheel used for metalworking and other related tasks.
A carborundum wheel refers to a grinding wheel specifically made with an abrasive material known as carborundum. Carborundum is a trade name for silicon carbide, a compound made up of silicon and carbon. It is an extremely hard and sharp abrasive commonly used in various industrial applications.
A carborundum wheel is typically composed of a circular disc-shaped wheel made from a mixture of carborundum and a bonding agent. These wheels are designed to perform grinding, cutting, or polishing operations on different types of materials, such as metal, stone, or glass. They are commonly employed in industries like metal fabrication, construction, automotive, and manufacturing.
Due to the exceptional toughness and hardness of carborundum, carborundum wheels are highly effective in removing material rapidly and efficiently. They are capable of slicing through even the toughest materials, making them suitable for demanding grinding tasks. Additionally, carborundum wheels have excellent heat resistance, which allows them to withstand high temperatures generated during the grinding process.
To use a carborundum wheel, it is typically attached to a grinding machine or power tool like an angle grinder, bench grinder, or circular saw. The wheel rotates rapidly, providing the abrasive action required to shape, sharpen, or smooth the targeted material. It is important to handle carborundum wheels with care and follow safety guidelines to prevent accidents or damage.
The term carborundum wheel is derived from the brand name Carborundum, which was the trademark of a particular type of abrasive material. Carborundum is a compound word that combines carbon and corundum. Corundum is a naturally occurring crystalline form of aluminum oxide that is very hard and used as an abrasive. The term carborundum was invented by the American engineer and inventor Edward Goodrich Acheson in 1890. He found a way to synthesize large crystals of silicon carbide, which he named carborundum. Over time, the term carborundum became associated with any abrasive material made from silicon carbide, including grinding wheels, hence the term carborundum wheel.