Ring testing is one way of inspecting grinding wheels. This type of grinding wheel inspection is required by OSHA, ANSI, and the makers of grinding wheels. It must be completed PRIOR to mounting the wheel on a grinding machine. Ring testing uses the dampening qualities of a damaged wheel to change the sound made when the wheel is softly tapped. It is open to interpretation by the inspector and applies mostly to vitrified bonded wheels. To perform the ring test, tap the wheels lightly with a light nonmetallic object, such as the screw driver handle for light wheels or a wooden mallet for heavy wheels.
Performing the ring test
- Check that the wheel is dry and clear of sawdust or other anything that might dampen the ring’s sound.
- To perform the test, you will need a hard plastic or hard wood object, such as the handle of a screwdriver or other instrument. For heavier tools, use a wood mallet. Use no metal things.
- Tap wheels 45 degrees on each side of the vertical line and 1″ or 2″ from the edge. Repeat the test by rotating the wheel 45 degrees.
- Large wheels may strike on the edge rather than the side of the wheel.
- If the wheel produces a crisp metallic tone when tapped at all four locations, it passes the test. The wheel is fractured if it sounds lifeless at any of the four places. It should not be used.
Conclusion
For more information, such as what test should be performed on abrasive wheels, please contact us. BINIC- grinding wheel factory and cutting wheel manufacturer.
