pengyu31214@gmail.com    +86-13312156930
BLOG DETAILS
You are here: Home » Blogs » What Is The Color Code for Abrasive Wheels?

What Is The Color Code for Abrasive Wheels?

Views: 0     Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2025-06-12      Origin: Site

Inquire

facebook sharing button
twitter sharing button
line sharing button
wechat sharing button
linkedin sharing button
pinterest sharing button
whatsapp sharing button
sharethis sharing button

Ever wonder what those colored stripes on abrasive wheels mean? They’re not just for looks—they’re about safety. Each color shows a speed limit you must follow. Choosing the wrong one can cause serious accidents. In this post, you’ll learn what the color code for abrasive wheels means, why it matters, and how to use it right.


What is the Color Code for Abrasive Wheels

Color codes are painted stripes telling us how fast a wheel can safely spin.

They protect users from breakage and flying debris.These stripes aren’t decoration. They are speed-rating signals set by engineers.

You’ll usually find them on the wheel’s rim or printed label.

Some makers add a side stripe so it stays visible after mounting.The system follows BS EN 12413 and ISO 525.

That means a blue stripe in London means the same in Sydney.

Stripe Color

Max Speed (m/s)

Blue

50

Yellow

60

Red

80

Green

100

Blue / Yellow

125


Understanding Each Abrasive Wheel Color Code and Its Speed Rating

Color stripes spell out one thing: how fast the rim can safely move. Below is the quick reference most workshops pin on the wall.

Color Stripe

Maximum Speed (m/s)

Common Use Cases

Blue

50

Light-duty tools, basic grinding jobs

Yellow

60

Everyday metal prep, moderate cuts

Red

80

General industrial grinding and cutting

Green

100

High-speed production or heavy stock removal

Blue / Yellow

125

Ultra-fast precision finishing, aerospace parts

Meters per second measure surface speed along the rim, not how many turns the spindle makes. RPM changes once diameter changes: a small 100 mm disc spins quicker than a 230 mm disc to hit the same 80 m/s. Always convert using the wheel size printed on the label before pressing the start button.


Trizact Cloth Belt 307EA-Abrasive Belt


Why Abrasive Wheel Color Coding Matters for Safety and Compliance

Consequences of Exceeding the Stripe

Ignore the stripe and the wheel can over-speed, over-heat, then shatter.

Fragments travel faster than a bullet, slicing skin, cables, even guards.

Real-World Lessons

A factory in Leeds saw three hand injuries when a green-striped disc ran on a 125 m/s spindle.

HSE reports link hundreds of annual grinder accidents to mismatched color codes or unreadable labels.

Legal Backing You Can’t Ignore

● PUWER 1998: employers must supply equipment that stays within safe operating limits.

● PPE Regulations 1992: suitable eye, face, and hand protection is mandatory when wheels spin.

● Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: directors face prosecution if foreseeable hazards—like wrong color wheels—injure staff.

Quick Checks That Prevent Fines and Fractures

Color bands let operators confirm speed in seconds; no maths on the shop floor.

Supervisors walk by, glance at the stripe, compare to the machine’s chart, and sign off.


Other Essential Markings Found on Abrasive Wheels (Besides Color Codes)

Color codes help with speed, but they’re just one part of a much bigger safety picture. Every abrasive wheel includes a range of other markings that give users crucial information about performance limits, usage restrictions, shape compatibility, and safety compliance. Ignoring these markings can lead to improper mounting, equipment damage, or even serious injury. Here’s what every operator and supervisor should understand when reading an abrasive wheel.

Code Number & Specification Mark (e.g., WA 60 K 7 V)

This alphanumeric sequence shows key technical details about the wheel. For example:

● WA = White aluminium oxide (abrasive type)

● 60 = Medium grit size

● K = Medium grade or hardness

● 7 = Structure level (porosity/density)

● V = Bond type (Vitrified, in this case)

Each part affects how the wheel cuts, resists heat, and wears over time. Choosing the wrong spec—especially grit or bond—can reduce tool life or damage the workpiece.

Maximum RPM / Working Speed

Every wheel has a clearly marked maximum operating speed, shown in two forms:

● Surface speed (in m/s)

● Rotational speed (in RPM)

Operators must ensure the machine's spindle speed doesn’t exceed these limits. For example, a wheel rated at 80 m/s and 8,500 RPM should never be mounted to a machine that spins faster than this, especially if the wheel is large, as RPM and m/s relate to the diameter.

Expiry Date (for Organic Bonded Wheels)

Organic bonded wheels (like resin-based types) degrade over time. They carry a “USE BY” date, usually 3 years from the manufacturing date. Using an expired wheel increases the risk of failure under pressure. Always check this date before installation, especially if the wheel’s been stored for a long period.

Mounting Direction Arrows

Some abrasive wheels include arrows that show the correct direction of rotation. These are especially important when the wheel has an uneven mass or asymmetric reinforcement. Installing a wheel against its intended direction can result in poor performance, increased wear, or imbalance during operation.

Usage Limitations (RE1–RE6 Symbols)

These standard codes tell users what not to do with the wheel. For instance:

● RE1: Not for hand-held machines

● RE2: Not for hand-held cutting-off

● RE3: Not for wet grinding

● RE4: Not for side grinding

● RE5: Only for wet grinding

● RE6: Not permitted on manually guided machines

Operators must always match the RE code with their equipment and task. Misuse voids compliance and increases risk.

ISO Shape/Type Number (e.g., Type 1, Type 27)

Every wheel has an ISO shape code that describes its profile and intended mounting setup:

● Type 1: Flat cutting wheel

● Type 27: Depressed-centre (grinding)

● Type 41/42: Cut-off wheels (flat or depressed)

Mounting the wrong type can interfere with machine guards or produce poor results. Guards and flanges must be compatible with the shape.

Manufacturer and Test Certification

Each compliant wheel includes the manufacturer’s name or trademark, along with a test code or record. These details confirm the product passed quality checks under BS EN 12413 or ISO 525 standards. It's proof the wheel was designed, tested, and labeled correctly—and should be documented for legal and safety audits.


How to Read Abrasive Wheel Labels Correctly

A wheel’s stripe gives speed, but its label hides the full story. Let’s decode one typical mark.

Example Label: WA 60 K 7 V BF 41 80 m/s

Segment

Meaning

Why it matters

WA

White aluminium oxide abrasive

Tells cutting aggressiveness and spark pattern

60

Medium grit size

Controls finish and metal removal rate

K

Medium-soft grade

Softer grades self-sharpen on hard metals

7

Open structure

Extra chip space, cooler grinding

V

Vitrified bond

Rigid, heat-resistant, suits precision work

BF

Reinforced resin (optional tag)

Adds strength for cut-off wheels

41

ISO Type 41 shape

Flat cut-off wheel for hand tools

80 m/s

Max surface speed

Never exceed this or the wheel may burst

What Must Appear—and What Can Change

Mandatory under BS EN 12413 / ISO 525

● Abrasive type, grit, grade, structure, bond

● Wheel diameter, thickness, bore (often nearby)

● ISO shape number

● Maximum operating speed in m/s (plus RPM for large wheels)

● Manufacturer name or trademark

● Test record or code for traceability

Variable or Situational Marks

● Reinforcement codes like BF or SR—only on resin wheels

● Expiry date—required on organic-bond wheels, not vitrified

● Restriction codes (RE1–RE6)—only when limits apply

● Mounting arrow—added when balance or weight distribution matters

Read every segment before mounting. The label tells you if the wheel truly fits the job, the machine, and the law.


Tips for Choosing and Using Abrasive Wheels Based on Color Codes

1. Match Wheel Speed to Machine Speed

Check the spindle’s rated RPM in the manual.

Locate the wheel’s color stripe, convert its m/s to RPM using diameter, and confirm the machine never exceeds that figure.

2. Quick Color-Stripe Cross-Check

Stripe

Max m/s

Typical RPM on 230 mm disc

Blue

50

≈ 4 150 RPM

Yellow

60

≈ 4 980 RPM

Red

80

≈ 6 620 RPM

Green

100

≈ 8 280 RPM

Blue/Yellow

125

≈ 10 350 RPM

3. Use the Right Hardware and PPE

● Flanges: clean, flat, same diameter.

● Blotters: paper washers stop stress cracks.

● Guards: adjust to shield the operator.

● PPE: EN 166 visor, gloves, dust mask when needed.

4. Perform Pre-Use Safety Checks

1.  Visual inspection—look for chips, burns, loose grit.

2.  Ring test—tap gently; a clear ring means no hidden cracks.

3.  Label review—verify stripe, expiry date, ISO type, RE code.

4.  Trial run—spin the wheel for 30 seconds in a cage before cutting.

Follow these steps every shift; they keep the color code meaningful and the shop floor safe.


FAQs

Q1: Can I use a wheel with a higher color code on a slower machine?

A: Yes, as long as the machine’s speed does not exceed the wheel’s maximum rated speed.

Q2: Do all abrasive wheels have color stripes?

A: No, but wheels rated by BS EN 12413 or ISO 525 often include them for safety and quick identification.

Q3: What if the color code is faded or missing?

A: Do not use the wheel. If markings are unreadable, discard it to avoid unknown speed risks.

Q4: How is speed in m/s different from RPM?

A: m/s measures surface speed; RPM measures rotation rate. Conversion depends on wheel size.

Q5: Are color codes the same worldwide?

A: Yes, international standards like ISO 525 help maintain consistency across global markets.


Conclusion

The color code on abrasive wheels shows their maximum safe speed. Each stripe prevents accidents caused by over-speeding. Color coding helps match the right wheel to the right tool. It protects users and ensures legal compliance. Always read all markings before using a wheel. It’s a simple step that saves time, tools, and lives.

At Tianjin Pengyu New Materials Co., Ltd., we don’t just deliver high-performance abrasive wheels—we support you with the tools and knowledge to use them safely and efficiently. Download our free Abrasive Wheel Identification and Safety Guide to help your team choose the right wheel every time.

Have questions about product fit or legal requirements? Contact our expert technical support team for tailored solutions and free consultation.


Get in Touch

Quick Links

Support

Product Category

Contact Us

  +86-13312156930
  +86-13312156930
     +86-13370357367 
  Building 2, Haiyi International, Rongyuan Road, Xiqing District, Tianjin, China
Copyright © 2024 Tianjin Pengyu New Materials Co., Ltd.