What Types of Abrasives to Use for Your Job
Choosing the right abrasive for your project is essential for achieving the desired finish, maintaining efficiency, and ensuring safety. Abrasives are used in countless industries—from metal fabrication to woodworking—and each type serves a unique purpose depending on the material, surface, and application. Understanding the differences will help you select the most effective abrasive for the job at hand.
Abrasives Industry Overview
Global abrasives market value
Major categories of industrial abrasives
Different grit levels available
Coated Abrasives
Coated abrasives consist of abrasive grains bonded to a flexible backing material such as paper, cloth, or polyester. These are most commonly used in sandpaper, sanding belts, and discs.
- Smoothing wood surfaces
- Finishing metal edges
- Paint and rust removal
- Coarse (40–60 grit) for heavy stock removal
- Medium (80–120 grit) for shaping and blending
- Fine (150–400 grit) for finishing work
Common Applications:
Bonded Abrasives
Bonded abrasives are made by mixing abrasive grains with bonding materials to form rigid shapes like grinding wheels or sharpening stones.
- Grinding and shaping metal
- Sharpening tools
- Precision cutting applications
- Aluminum oxide for general-purpose grinding
- Silicon carbide for harder materials like stone and glass
Wheel Types & Applications:
Non-Woven Abrasives
These abrasives are made from nylon fibers impregnated with abrasive grains. They are flexible, conformable, and ideal for surface conditioning.
- Light deburring
- Surface cleaning without damaging the base material
- Creating a consistent finish
- Reduced heat build-up
- Long life compared to coated abrasives
- Conformable to complex shapes
Popular Forms:
Blasting Abrasives
Blasting abrasives are used in sandblasting or shot blasting processes to clean or prepare surfaces.
Applications:
Abrasive Discs and Wheels
For handheld grinders and rotary tools, abrasive discs and wheels come in various materials and configurations to match the task.
- Cutting metal or masonry
- Smoothing welds
- Removing rust or corrosion
- Flap discs: Versatile finishing
- Fiber discs: Heavy grinding
- Cut-off wheels: Precision cutting
Size Categories:
Tips for Choosing the Right Abrasive
Match Material
Different abrasives are designed for metals, woods, plastics, or composites. Use compatibility charts for best results.
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Select Correct Grit
Coarse for rapid removal, fine for smooth finishing. Start coarse and work progressively finer for best results.
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Consider Heat
High-speed grinding may require heat-resistant abrasives. Monitor temperature to prevent workpiece damage.
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Think Finish
Some abrasives leave a rough texture, others a polished look. Consider your final finish requirements.
Abrasive Grit Selection Chart
| Grit Range | Classification | Best Use | Material Removal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16-24 | Very Coarse | Heavy stock removal, rough shaping | Very High |
| 30-60 | Coarse | Initial shaping, paint removal | High |
| 80-120 | Medium | General purpose, blending | Medium |
| 150-220 | Fine | Smoothing, pre-finish prep | Low |
| 240-400+ | Very Fine | Final finishing, polishing | Very Low |
Get the Right Abrasives from SC Fastening Systems
At SC Fastening Systems, we carry a wide range of abrasives from trusted brands to meet the demands of every industry. Whether you need coated abrasives for woodworking, bonded wheels for metal grinding, or non-woven products for fine finishing, we can help you choose the right solution to get the job done right.
Our abrasive specialists understand the unique requirements of different materials and applications. From selecting the proper grit sequence to recommending the most cost-effective abrasive for your volume needs, we’re here to optimize your grinding, sanding, and finishing operations. Contact our abrasive specialists today for personalized recommendations and competitive pricing.
Professional guidance for optimal abrasive choice
Quality manufacturers with proven performance
All abrasive types and grits in stock
Quick delivery for production schedules
Bulk discounts for large operations
Tailored abrasive programs for your needs