Ceramic abrasives are one of the latest innovations in grain technology. This high-performing grain features very small fracture planes which allow each grain to constantly re-sharpen as is wears away, providing fast cutting action throughout its usable life. They provide the best longevity and highest cut rate of all coated abrasives. The ultimate in performance, with an aggressive, consistent cut under moderate to high pressure that provides extremely consistent stock removal.
Ceramic grain is known as a manufactured or artificial abrasive mineral whereas Emery and garnet are examples of natural abrasives that is found in nature. Manufactured or artificial abrasives are produced scientifically through various processes, creating a newest technologically advanced mineral with specific qualities that natural minerals do not have.
So how is ceramic alumina made?
A chemical procedure of creating a colloidal solution referred to as sol is used. This solution basically contains tiny particles of aluminium oxide in a liquid medium. For easy reference one can think of caramelised sugar. In its natural form sugar has fine granules, but once mixed with water it becomes a liquid-like structure that still contains all the tiny granules.
Ceramic alumina is a result of the sol-gel process which is created by particles of aluminium oxide in the sol mixture. The mixture is then dried under controlled temperatures resulting in the mineral releasing from the bonding agent.
The final step in creating ceramic abrasive grain is the sintering process. Heat treatment causes the powdered grains to shrink making them stronger and denser.
Ceramic grain is a friable abrasive, which allows it to fracture continuously when exposed to heat and pressure in the grinding process, continuously exposing new and sharp cutting edges throughout its lifetime. This ensures that a very consistent metal removal rate and surface finish is achieved over longer periods of time.
Typical applications where ceramic abrasives would be beneficial, could include but is not limited to tough and hard to grind materials, heat and burn sensitive materials and applications where the output of parts in high volumes within the shortest time possible is a requirement.
Should a cutting-or-grinding application involve exotic materials such as superalloys or stainless-steel then ceramic abrasive minerals is sure to outperform most other abrasives. Due to its self-sharpening ability and severe toughness, ceramic grains will not dull as quickly as other conversional grains, and due to the fast-cutting action of ceramic grains, the material removed is far superior to any other conventional abrasive grain in the same amount of time.
Grinding Techniques, a proudly South African supplier and manufacturer of specialised abrasives and a converter of coated products, offer ceramic abrasive technology through our partnership with Starcke and Deerfos.
The quality of coated abrasives depends on numerous parameters such as the amount of grain and weight per unit area, the quantity of base and topcoat as well as curing temperatures. These parameters have been defined with a view to production and is substantiated by quality insurance measures after every manufacturing step for each product. Not only do we manufacture abrasive products according to ISO standards, but we also strive to consistently meet and exceed maximum standards to ensure compliance with strict customer requirements.
As part of the Tyrolit Group we are able to offer a wide range of products for almost every kind of application., our aim to provide the best coated or bonded abrasive products for your manufacturing process, actively, objectively, and reliably.
Coated abrasive products supplied by Grinding Techniques are designed to give the finishing touch to a wide variety of materials including a wide range of metals, wood, stone, glass, plastics ceramics, and rubber. We are able to cut to all shapes, lengths, and widths according to customer requirements.
Contact us for the latest innovation in coated abrasives. Training and technical assistance is available from our product specialists who are ready to provide solutions to all your questions and processing issues.
For more information contact us: 011 271 6400 | info@grindtech.com | www.grindtech.com.