Pro-Graad Convolute / Unitized Wheel Selection Guide

Pro-Graad Convolute / Unitized Wheel Selection Guide

Pro-Graad Surface Conditioning Wheels Selection Guide

For precision deburring, finishing, blending, cleaning, and more. Find the perfect wheel for your application in three easy steps.

Getting Started: Wheel Selection in 3 Easy Steps

1

Select Your Equipment Type

Convolute Wheels: Typically larger wheels wrapped around a core. Best for stationary equipment like bench grinders or pedestal buffers.

Unitized Wheels: Compressed layers of abrasive material. Generally smaller and used on portable power tools like die grinders.

2

Define Your Application

Deburring & Radiusing: If you are removing burrs or rounding sharp edges, select a Deburring Wheel.

Aesthetic Finishing: If you are creating a specific surface pattern or satin finish, select a Finishing Wheel.

Dual Requirement: If your part requires both, always start with a deburring wheel first, then follow up with a finishing wheel.

3

Understand the Product Code

Use this key to read Pro-Graad wheel descriptions:

Density: Numbers 2–11. Higher = harder, more durable

Mineral: S = Silicon Carbide (Sharp/Fine), A = Aluminum Oxide (Tough)

Grade: VFN = Very Fine, FIN = Fine, MED = Medium, CRS = Coarse

Size: Diameter x Width x Core Diameter

Choose Your Wheel Type

Convolute Wheels

Stationary Equipment

Larger wheels wrapped around a core, designed for bench grinders, pedestal buffers, and other stationary equipment. Ideal for high-production environments requiring consistent performance.

  • High-cut rate for tough applications
  • Excellent edge retention
  • Wide range of densities and grades
  • Specialized options for titanium and alloys
View Convolute Wheels

Unitized Wheels

Portable Tools

Compressed layers of abrasive material, designed for portable power tools like die grinders. Perfect for precision work and detailed applications requiring maneuverability.

  • Aggressive blending capabilities
  • Prevents undercutting
  • Works in both directions
  • Superior edge durability
View Unitized Wheels

Why Choose Pro-Graad?

Consistency

Pro-Graad wheels provide a consistent rate of cut and finish throughout the life of the wheel.

Safety

Reduced risk of “gouging” compared to bonded wheels or wire brushes.

Cool Running

Open-web construction dissipates heat, reducing warping or discoloration on sensitive metals.

Durability

High-performance materials engineered for extended life in demanding production environments.

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Convolute Wheels

Stationary Equipment Solutions. Larger wheels wrapped around a core for bench grinders, pedestal buffers, and high-production environments.

Deburring Wheels

For removing burrs, rounding sharp edges, and precision edge radiusing.

Product Name Density Grade Characteristics & Best Uses
Pro-Graad Cut & Polish 5, 7 MED, CRS

High-cut rate for tough blending and finishing applications.

Best for: Aggressive blending and heavy-duty deburring

Pro-Graad EXL 8, 9, 10, 11 FIN, MED, CRS

High performance; 10 & 11 are used for maximum edge retention.

Best for: General deburring with excellent edge retention

Pro-Graad EX2 8, 9 FIN, MED

Versatile & Conformable: Hard, dense consistency for fast deburring and polishing. Ideal for stamped or laser-cut parts.

Best for: Fast deburring on stamped and laser-cut parts

Pro-Graad EX3 8, 9 FIN, MED

Performance Leader: Highest edge retention and durability in its line. Optimized for sharp edges and metal burrs.

Best for: Sharp edges and metal burrs with smooth operation

Pro-Graad EXL PRO 9, 10 FIN, MED

Next Generation: Optimized for significantly higher durability and faster cut rates in heavy deburring.

Best for: Heavy deburring with maximum durability

Pro-Graad EXT 8, 9, 10, 11 FIN, MED

Titanium Specialist: Excels in high-pressure applications. Ideal for automated deburring and edge radiusing.

Best for: Titanium and hard alloys with automated systems

Pro-Graad Series 1000 RF Long Life 6, 8, 9 MED, FIN

High-Production Specialty: Smear-resistant and high-durability; ideal for precision deburring and high-production polishing.

Best for: High-production environments with precision requirements

Pro-Graad Series 4000 RF Long Life 8, 9 MED, FIN

Next Generation RF: Harder density and increased durability compared to Series 1000.

Best for: Extended life in high-production deburring

Finishing Wheels

For creating specific surface patterns, satin finishes, and aesthetic refinement.

Product Name Density Grade Characteristics & Best Uses
Pro-Graad Cut & Polish 5, 7 MED, CRS

Heavy Duty Blending: High-cut rate wheel designed for tough blending and aggressive finishing applications.

Best for: Aggressive blending and heavy-duty finishing

Pro-Graad Metal Finishing 5, 6 MED, CRS

Superior Satin Finishes: Highly conformable for consistent wear. Ideal for blending mill finishes on stainless steel.

Best for: Premium brushed finishes on stainless steel and cutlery

Pro-Graad Multi-Finish 2, 3 FIN, MED, CRS

Final Finish Specialist: Soft and highly conformable. Excellent for providing uniform finishes across various metals.

Best for: Uniform finishes and #3 or #4 brushed finishes

Pro-Graad Series 1000 RF Long Life 6, 8, 9 MED, FIN

High-Production Specialty: Optimized for high-cycle finishing, light polishing, and precision deburring.

Best for: High-production finishing with consistent results

Pro-Graad Series 4000 RF Long Life 8, 9 MED, FIN

Next Generation RF: Provides longer life and harder density for consistent finishing in high-volume cycles.

Best for: Extended life finishing in high-volume production

Pro-Graad SST 7, 8 FIN

Specially formulated for stainless steel and titanium; resists loading and heat.

Best for: Stainless steel and titanium finishing

Understanding Product Codes

DDensity

Numbers 2–11. Higher numbers indicate harder, more durable wheels with better edge retention.

Example: Density 8 = Hard, durable wheel suitable for precision work

MMineral

The abrasive material composition of the wheel.

S = Silicon Carbide (Sharp, Fine, Fast-cutting)

A = Aluminum Oxide (Tough, Durable, Long-lasting)

GGrade

The fineness of the abrasive particles.

VFN = Very Fine (Smooth, precise finishes)

FIN = Fine (Balanced performance)

MED = Medium (Versatile cutting)

CRS = Coarse (Aggressive cutting)

SSize

The physical dimensions of the wheel.

Format: Diameter x Width x Core Diameter

Example: 8" x 1" x 3" wheel

Ready for Portable Tools?

Explore our Unitized Wheels for portable power tool applications.

View Unitized Wheels
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Unitized Wheels

Portable Tool Solutions. Compressed layers of abrasive material for die grinders, angle grinders, and other portable power tools.

Available Unitized Wheels

Compressed abrasive layers designed for portable power tool applications.

Product Name Density Grade Key Benefits & Characteristics
Pro-Graad Cut & Polish Unitized 5, 7 MED, CRS Aggressive Blending: Fast cutting action for tough deburring on hard alloys. Tightly layered design prevents undercutting and works in both directions.
Pro-Graad EXL PRO Unitized 6, 8 FIN, MED, CRS Superior edge durability and cooler running on portable tools. Optimized for extended life in demanding applications.
Pro-Graad EXL Unitized 2–8 FIN, MED, CRS Toughest unitized wheel; provides smooth running and edge durability. Versatile across multiple applications and densities.

Recommendations by Material

Aluminum

Pro-Graad Multi-Finish for bright, uniform appearance

Metal Finishing for brushed textures

Produces clean, bright finishes without discoloration

Stainless Steel

Pro-Graad SST for specialized stainless steel finishing

Metal Finishing for premium satin finishes

Multi-Finish for uniform #3 or #4 brushed finishes

Cut & Polish Unitized for aggressive blending

Achieve specific mill/satin finishes (#3 or #4) with excellent consistency

Steel (Carbon/Mild)

Pro-Graad EXL or EXL PRO for general deburring

Cut & Polish (Convolute or Unitized) for aggressive blending

Heavy oxidation or scale removal

Excellent for removing burrs and heavy oxidation

Titanium

Pro-Graad EXT for best-in-class performance

EXL, EXL PRO for finishing and precision deburring

SST for specialized titanium finishing

Specialized wheels designed for high-pressure titanium applications

Why Choose Unitized Wheels?

Aggressive Blending

Fast cutting action for tough deburring on hard alloys. Tightly layered design prevents undercutting.

Bidirectional Operation

Works effectively in both directions, providing flexibility in portable tool applications.

Superior Edge Durability

Maintains sharp edges throughout the wheel's life, reducing downtime and improving consistency.

Cooler Running

Open-web construction dissipates heat, reducing risk of warping or discoloration on sensitive metals.

Pro-Graad vs. Conventional Abrasives

Consistency

Pro-Graad wheels provide a consistent rate of cut and finish throughout the life of the wheel, reducing variability in production.

Safety

Reduced risk of “gouging” compared to bonded wheels or wire brushes, protecting part surfaces and operator safety.

Cool Running

Open-web construction dissipates heat effectively, reducing the risk of warping or discoloration on sensitive metals.

Performance Metrics Comparison

Performance Metric Pro-Graad Wheels Bonded Wheels Wire Brushes
Cut Rate Excellent Good Fair
Smear Resistance Superior Moderate Poor
Lifespan Extended Standard Short
Heat Generation Low Moderate High
Surface Quality Premium Good Variable
Gouging Risk Minimal Moderate High
Consistency Uniform Variable Inconsistent
Cost per Part Lower Higher Highest
Why Pro-Graad Outperforms
  • Open-web construction allows heat dissipation
  • Consistent abrasive distribution throughout life
  • Reduced smearing on sensitive materials
  • Lower risk of part damage and gouging
Real-World Impact
  • Reduced downtime between wheel changes
  • Lower scrap rates from part damage
  • Improved operator safety and comfort
  • Better finish quality on final products

Understanding Product Codes

Density

Numbers 2–11. Higher = harder, more durable wheels with better edge retention.

Mineral

S = Silicon Carbide (Sharp, Fine) | A = Aluminum Oxide (Tough)

Grade

VFN (Very Fine), FIN (Fine), MED (Medium), CRS (Coarse)

Size

Diameter x Width x Core Diameter (e.g., 3" x 1" x 0.5")

Need Stationary Equipment Solutions?

Explore our Convolute Wheels for bench grinders and pedestal buffers.

View Convolute Wheels
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