Overview
ISO 525:2020 - Bonded abrasive products - Shape types, designation and marking is the international standard that defines how bonded abrasive products (for example, grinding wheels, segments, sticks and stones) are identified, described and marked. The document specifies ISO type numbers and shape names, dimensional symbols, standard profiles, product specification elements, designation rules and marking requirements for general bonded abrasive products. It does not apply to superabrasive products or coated abrasive products.
Key topics
- Shape types and designations: Standardized ISO shape type numbers and names for common bonded abrasive geometries (straight, cup, dish, tapered, depressed-centre, segments, plugs, balls, etc.).
- Dimensional symbols: Defined symbols used to describe key dimensions (examples from the standard: D = outside diameter, T = overall thickness, H = bore diameter, B/C/L = segment width/thickness/length).
- Standard profiles: Accepted wheel and product profiles to ensure compatibility with machines and holders.
- Specification elements: Required specification data such as abrasive grain type/size, grade (hardness), structure/porosity, bond type and any manufacturer special code.
- Designation and marking: Rules for product designation (how to write a concise standardized product code) and mandatory marking requirements for safe use and traceability.
- Normative references: The standard references related documents (for example, ISO 8486 for grain-size designation) and is complemented by standards that govern dimensions, unbalance and tolerances.
Applications and users
ISO 525:2020 is used where consistent identification and safe interchangeability of bonded abrasive products are required:
- Manufacturers: to label, specify and catalogue grinding wheels, segments and plugs with standardized shape/type codes and markings.
- Purchasing and specification teams: to write clear procurement specifications and ensure delivered products match required shapes and profiles.
- Quality and conformity assessors: to verify marking, designation and specification elements for compliance and traceability.
- Machine builders and maintenance teams: to ensure compatible wheel profiles and safe mounting based on standardized symbols and shapes.
- Test laboratories and certification bodies: for consistent reporting and classification.
Related standards
- ISO 603 (all parts): dimensions of grinding wheels and related products
- ISO 6103: permissible unbalance for grinding wheels
- ISO 13942: limit deviations and tolerances
- ISO 8486 (all parts): grain size distribution (normative reference)
Using ISO 525:2020 helps ensure product compatibility, safety and clear communication across supply chains for bonded abrasive products.