Abrasives play a pivotal role across various industries, providing essential solutions for a myriad of applications. From manufacturing and construction to automotive and electronics, abrasives are versatile, indispensable tools that ensure efficient operations and high-quality results. They serve a variety of purposes, ranging from paint and rust removal to surface smoothing and preparation for further treatment.
- In manufacturing, abrasives are used for material removal, surface preparation, and finishing processes. They help shape and refine raw materials, ensuring precision and accuracy in component and product production
- In construction, abrasives are used for tasks such as sanding, grinding, and polishing surfaces, enabling smooth finishes and enhancing durability
- Abrasives are important in the automotive industry. From repairing bodywork to refinishing paint, abrasives are used for sanding and smoothing surfaces, ensuring a professional finish
- In the electronics industry, abrasives are utilised for cleaning and preparing circuit boards, ensuring optimal performance and reliability
Over the years, abrasive technology has evolved significantly, offering improved performance, efficiency, and safety. Advancements in abrasive materials, such as the development of synthetic abrasives like silicon carbide and aluminium oxide, have revolutionised various industries. These modern abrasives provide enhanced cutting power, durability, and precision, enabling professionals to achieve faster results with increased accuracy.
Additionally, the introduction of innovative abrasive products, such as abrasive wheels, discs, belts, and pads, has further enhanced abrasives' versatility and effectiveness. These products are specifically designed to meet the unique requirements of different applications, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.
As there are many abrasive tools available, it can be tricky to know which is best for specific job requirements. Here we show which tool to select for the job at hand and which can be used as an alternative.
Task
| Best Tool/s
| Alternative Tool/s (where applicable)
|
---|
Cutting – metal
| Cutting discs
| Diamond discs or burrs
|
Cutting – non-metal
| Diamond discs
| n/a
|
Grinding
| Grinding discs or wheels
| n/a
|
Stock removal
| Flap discs or wheels
| n/a
|
Deburring
| Burrs or flap wheels
| Sanding discs, hand pads, or abrasive cloth
|
Hand sanding
| Hand pads or abrasive cloth
| n/a
|
Surface preparation, stripping, or cleaning
| Sanding discs or belts, flap discs, or fibre discs
| Flap wheels, hand pads, or abrasive cloth
|
Surface blending and conditioning
| Sanding discs or flap discs
| Hand pads or abrasive cloth
|