Grinding can be achieved in a variety of ways, using a variety of abrasives. Fixed abrasive surfaces are available using diamond or cubic boron nitride (CBN) abrasives. The method used to bind the abrasives to the wheel affects the grinding characteristics, the harder or more rigid the bonding medium, the more aggressive the grinding action of the surface. Therefore metal bonded fixed abrasive wheels are the most aggressive grinding surfaces, whereas resin bonded wheels are less aggressive.


Coarse grit Silicon Carbide or Alumina abrasives may be used, but the durability or characteristics of such materials may be inappropriate for certain materials. Generally, in order to maintain sharp abrasive particles, grinding papers need frequent changing. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations and advice.