Abrasives, primarily categorised as either Bonded or Coated, are materials used to wear away or polish surfaces through friction. Bonded abrasives include cutting and grinding discs manufactured with abrasive grains embedded in a matrix of bonding materials.
It’s where Coated abrasives, such as sandpaper or sanding discs, consist of abrasive grains adhered to a specific backing material. With any application, it is crucial to understand the interaction between the abrasive product and the workpiece’s surface or substrate.
Choosing the Proper Grit and Abrasive Size
Choosing the correct product for the application is key, as it can significantly impact the quality of finish and its durability. Abrasives include a variety of different materials ranging from Aluminium oxide, Silicon carbide and Zirconia Alumina to Diamond, each posing their own properties for effective applications on various substrates.
In general, when considering abrasive materials, the harder the surface, the more robust the abrasive mineral should be. When it comes to grit sizes, they usually vary from low to which determines the coarseness or fineness of the abrasive. Whereas coarser grits (e.g., 40-60) are used for heavy material removal. The finer grits (e.g. 120-200) are used for finishing and polishing.
Understanding Substrates Compatibility
For coated abrasives, there are a range of different backings, such as paper, cloth or film available. These help determine the overall flexibility and durability of the product. For rigorous applications demanding a more durable product, coated abrasives with a cloth backing is usually chosen.
With bonded abrasives, performance and longevity of the product is determined by the type of bonding agent used, be it resin, or vitrified. Resin bonds will provide more flexibility, while vitrified bonds offer higher rigidity and durability.
Considering the type of substrate for the best possible results are also very important.
Ferrous metals like steel and iron require abrasives with a hard grain and durable bond like Aluminium oxide. These are commonly used due to their strength and longevity properties.
For heavier grinding tasks, Zirconia alumina is ideal for offering superior cutting efficiency. It has the ability to handle high heat without breaking down.
Solutions for Stainless Steel and Wood Substrates
For applications on Stainless steel, it is important to choose abrasives that are able to resist clogging whilst providing a clean finish. Ceramic alumina or Zirconium abrasives are well-suited for this purpose due to their self-sharpening properties and resistance to heat.
Our Superflex range carries a variety of abrasives specifically manufactured free from iron, sulphur and chlorine designed for stainless steel to avoid contamination that could lead to corrosion.
When working on wood substrates, it is important to distinguish between soft woods, like pine and hardwoods, like oak or maple.
Choosing Abrasive Materials for Polycarbonate, Acrylic and Wood Surfaces
Aluminium Oxide abrasives with a lower grit size such as 60 or 80 will be more than effective for this substrate as the coarser grit removes material quickly, and it is less likely to clog when compared to finer grits.
Finer grits such as 120 or 150 is more suited to hardwoods as the finer abrasive provide a smoother finish, minimising the risk of scratching the wood surface.
Acrylic and Polycarbonate substrates require abrasives that minimize heat build-up and prevent melting or deformation. Silicon carbide abrasives are ideally preferred due to their sharpness and ability to cut without excessive heat generation. It is recommended to use finer grits to achieve a smooth, polished finish.
Read More: CHOOSING THE CORRECT ABRASIVE PRODUCTS
Abrasive Suggestions for Glass and Fibreglass Substrates
For fiberglass substrates, abrasives with high cutting abilities and durability should be used.
While Silicon carbide can also be effective for these applications, care should be taken to ensure that the abrasive is suitable for the specific type of fiberglass to avoid premature wear and tear.
When it comes to glass, we recommend using diamond abrasives or diamond–coated tools for applications on tempered glass, as diamond abrasives are extremely hard, which enables them to handle the toughness of tempered glass without causing chips or cracks. For annealed glass, Silicon carbide is very effective for grinding and smoothing. This offers a good balance between cutting efficiency and finish quality.
Solutions for Stone, Brick and Concrete Surfaces
Concrete surfaces require abrasives with the ability to withstand the toughness of concrete providing effective surface preparation or grinding. This will also benefit from the use of diamond abrasives or abrasives with a high-level hardness, such as silicon carbide.
Similar to concrete, brick and stone will also be suited to diamond abrasives due to their ability to handle the abrasive nature of these materials. They offer long-lasting performance and precise results.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Right Abrasives
Choosing the right abrasive product for different substrates is essential for achieving efficient, high-quality results. By understanding the properties of various abrasives and their compatibility with different materials, you can select the most appropriate product for your application.
Consider the substrate type, abrasive material, grit size, backing material and operating conditions. This will ensure optimal performance and longevity of your abrasive tools. With the right choice, you can enhance productivity, improve surface quality, and achieve professional-grade results.”
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