ASK THE EXPERT: How to choose the best abrasive grain type for your grinding application?
Channel: Norton Abrasives EMEA
Date: 2021-11-05

Selecting the right grinding wheel or a cutting disc for your job is a real challenge, as there is a complicated array of products to choose from.

In this video, Norton expert Paul Gray explains why some abrasive grain types are better for specific jobs than others.

There are many factors to consider when choosing a disc for an application, but the type of material to grind or cut is one of the most important.
The four main types of abrasive grains available are :

Ceramic Aluminium Oxide
Often referred to as just "Ceramic". This ceramic grain has a unique microcrystalline structure that is self-sharpening. This ultimately reduces the regularity that the grinding wheel needs dressing and provides a significantly cooler cutting action when in use. It is recommended, for example, to cut harder stainless steel or other alloys such as ink canals.

Silicon Carbide
Harder than standard aluminium oxide with a very sharp abrasive grain. It is a versatile material recommended for grinding relatively soft metals such as aluminium or cast iron, but can also be used on extremely hard materials such as cemented carbide.

Zirconia Alumina
For use in rough grinding applications where high stock removal is required. This grain is associated with high tech resin bonds.

Aluminium Oxide
It is generally recommended for grinding materials of high tensile strength, such as stainless steel and tool steels, but it can also be used on some high tensile aluminium and bronze alloys.

For more information about Norton abrasives or how we can help you, visit https://www.nortonabrasives.com/en-gb or contact your local distributor.

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