Hodgskin

Hodgskin is a type of high-performance grinding wheel made from abrasive paper, felt, or pliable materials. It is named after Thomas Hodgskin, a British Victorian era physiologist whose work on the concept of bio-mechanical friction led to the development of the grinding surface technology.

The Hodgskin design aims to reduce frictional heat and increase grinding efficiency by using a unique construction method where the abrasive surface is mounted on a flexible backing material. This allows the abrasive to conform to the surface being ground, reducing the risk of overheating and making the process more efficient. The Hodgskin wheel has found widespread use in various industries, including woodworking, metalwork, and automotive manufacturing.

In the 19th century, Hodgskin's original design involved gluing abrasive particles onto a felt backing. Modern Hodgskin grinding wheels are made from improved materials such as rubber, thermoplastic, or rubber-like plastic. The flexing design provides for better abrasive material to work load mounting area and consequently higher quality results. They are typically produced with CBN (cubic boron nitride) or alumina grains for superfine tolerance material completeness. Applications include polishing, deburring, and surface grinding processes.