RHODIUS | Metal grinding and polishing

Metal grinding and polishing – performance factors for an optimal finish

Whether you’re working with abrasive belts, rolls or sheets – anyone needing to grind or polish metal should take a closer look. With coated abrasives, there are four factors that decide on the optimum composition and therefore the best product for the application. To ensure you know what’s important when selecting the right tool, you’ll find each of these key components – backing type, bond, coating and grain – presented individually here.

Selecting the right abrasive – it all starts with the backing type

A flexible or rigid backing type should be selected depending on how the abrasive will be used. For manual grinding, paper and cotton fabric are used as flexible backing materials. For machine-based applications in manufacturing, a rugged and tear-resistant backing is provided by polyester, vulcanised fibres or a combination of cotton fabric and polyester.

Polyester is very tear-resistant but not especially flexible
Paper, on the other hand, is flexible but not particularly tear-proof
Cotton fabric offers a good compromise between the two factors

The right abrasive – the result depends on the bond

The key to a good bond lies in achieving a balance between grain fixation and flexibility. The bond can be used to produce rigid and aggressive abrasives, as well as highly flexible abrasives for fine grinding. A basic bond is used for initial fixation during the electrostatic coating/application of the abrasive grains. An additional top bond ensures that the abrasive grains are properly bonded together. The binders used may be softer or harder depending on the type of application. For metal grinding, an additional, active grinding substance is applied to keep the grinding process cool for some applications.