Choosing the best abrasive grain for your needs
In choosing the best type of abrasive for your needs, it is also important to understand the differences between various types of abrasive grains. Aluminum oxide is one of the most common types of abrasive grains that may be used for many applications. There are also many other types of materials that may be used, including Zirconia, ceramic and silicon carbide.
Below is a quick quide to help you understand the difference between each compound.
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Aluminum Oxide Aluminum Oxide is the most common & least expensive. Good starting point for most metal and wood applications. Aluminum Oxide is usually brown or reddish in color, but can be blue, green or yellow (which usually indicates the presence of a grinding aid/lubricant). It is durable with tough cutting edges, but it dulls during use. |
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Zirconia Zirconia Alumina is commonly referred to as Zirc or Zirconium. Zirc is ideal for coarse to medium grit applications on metal (best choice for abusive applications). Zirc is usually green or blue in color. Works best under high pressure (which is required for the grain to fracture exposing new sharp edges). It has large fracture planes and it self-sharpens as it cuts. |
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Ceramic Ceramic abrasives provide the longest life & fastest cut rate of all coated abrasives. They are the newest grain innovation and represent the ultimate in performance, providing an aggressive, consistent cut under moderate to high pressure. Ceramic is usually red or orange in color. Used primarily on metal applications. |
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Silicon Carbide Silicon Carbide is good for grinding glass, plastic, rubber, paint, wood products, titanium alloys and cast iron. Silicon Carbide is black in color. It is a sharp, hard synthetic abrasive. Its friable grains fracture to continually expose new cutting edges and permit fast stock removal. |
