Illustrated Glass Dictionary
Abrasive Wheels
Solid stone or coated discs rotated at variable speeds and applied with variable pressure in order to cut and grind glass. Originally made of natural stone, abrasive wheels are now made of man-made stone powders, namely silicon carbide (Carburundum, Urundum) and alumina (Bauxilite, Corundum), and, increasingly, of diamonds. All these abrasives are bonded with resins, clays, rubber or similar materials and applied to the disc. (see also "polishing wheels")