March 25, 2021

How to choose abrasives in metalworking

Metalworking needs special abrasives to grind, finish, or polish to ensure a satisfactory surface. Lane Supply Company (Lane) has recommendations as well as information about which abrasive to choose for your project.

  • Bonded
  • Coated
  • Non-woven

Also, see more information about the minerals related to abrasives.

1. Bonded

Bonded discs are just like they sound. The mineral, binding agent, and some type of reinforcement material are fused together to form a hard disc.

2. Coated

Coated discs are just like they sound, too. They have mineral-coated backing (using some sort of resin, much like glue). They’re durable and flexible. They come in many different forms, not just discs.

3. Non-woven

Non-woven are sometimes called by a brand name: Scotch-Brite (a 3M proprietary disc). These discs are made up of a fibrous material that the abrasive minerals are adhered to with a resin, similar to a coated disc, but in a more random pattern. They offer great conform-ability, flexibility, cleaning action ease, and add a grain pattern to the work piece.

Minerals

  • Aluminum oxide: Widely used. Cost-effective. Fractures into sharper pieces until it wears down.
  • Silicon carbide: Starts out sharp and cuts well. Wears quickly and doesn’t always fracture cleanly.
  • Zirconia alumina: Combines the sharpness and cutting power similar to silicon carbide, but fractures to a sharp edge as it wears.
  • Ceramics: Combines or more minerals with ceramic bits for a durable cutting combination that’s heat-resistant.
  • Precision-shaped grain: Precision-shaped grain is a ceramic blend that can include 3M’s proprietary Cubitron II mineral.

Elevated can help

Elevated Industrial Solutions (Elevated), formerly known as Lane Supply Company (Lane) has advice, ideas, and even products to help with your tough projects. We carry a wide variety of abrasives for metalworking or woodworking. Our goal is to make your business more efficient, saving you time and money while improving your product.

Tami Matthews
Author: Tami Matthews
Tami Matthews is the Director of Marketing at Elevated Industrial Solutions. She’s spent 20+ years in marketing, focusing on writing, public relations, digital marketing, and content marketing. Before coming to Elevated in December 2020, she worked for a number of high-tech companies. Writing is one of her favorite pastimes. In her spare time, she volunteers for a number of causes including the Kunsmiller Creative Arts Academy working on the PTO. She also hikes with her husband and begrudging daughter.
Related resources
& expert advice
  • Get your compressors ready after the holidays
    January 8, 2015

    Get your compressors ready after the holidays

    The holidays are over and for many plants that mean seasonal shutdowns or lower production demands are also a thing of the past. While everyone is…
  • Don’t get fooled – go with the real deal (Kaeser and dealer expertise)
    February 4, 2015

    Don’t get fooled – go with the real deal (Kaeser and dealer expertise)

    We’ve all been there. I would wager we’ve all done it. When it comes time to get an oil change or replace our windshield wipers, we want to go for…
  • Compressed air uses
    October 19, 2019

    Compressed air uses

    Compressed air is important to many different industries and greatly impacts business. Industries that use compressed air include food and beverag…