What happens to the performance of a grinding wheel if it operates above the safe speed?

When a grinding wheel operates above its safe speed, it poses a significant risk of wheel fracture. Grinding wheels are designed to maintain structural integrity at specific rotational speeds. Exceeding this limit can lead to excessive centrifugal forces, which may exceed the material strength of the wheel, causing it to crack or break apart. This is a serious safety hazard, as a fractured wheel can cause injury to the operator and damage to the equipment.

The performance of the grinding process itself can also be adversely affected. Although one might think that operating at higher speeds could improve efficiency, the danger and potential for wheel failure outweigh any such benefits. Therefore, maintaining proper speed is crucial for both safety and performance.