The technology behind coated abrasives

All coated abrasives generally consist of abrasive grain, backing material and bond. Varying each of these components helps give each abrasive product unique qualities that make it suitable for specific jobs.  

 

 

Abrasive grains 

 

Aluminium Oxide 
A tough grain, characterised by a cool cut, long life and the ability to fracture under pressure, producing new cutting edges. Well adapted to stripping, sanding and finishing applications on all types of wood, paint and metal.
   
Zirconia Alumina 
A mix of Aluminium Oxide and Zircon, NorZon grain is self-sharpening, breaking down over time and regenerating its sharp cutting edges providing long life when sanding. Manufacturing at high temperatures produces a much harder grain, a key requirement when cutting through tough material such as wood and metal.
   
Screenbak Abrasive 
An innovative mesh network impregnated with high performance abrasive grains reduces clogging whilst stripping or sanding plaster surfaces, and can be used on both sides for longer product life.

 

   
Ceramic Abrasive 
Due to the consistent fracture properties in the grain, ceramic abrasive is the hardest and sharpest grain used in coated abrasives, making it ideal for finishing and plaster applications. This, combined with a No-Fil® coating provides maximum performance, load resistance and long product life.

 

 

Backing materials

 

 Paper
 
Cloth
Weight of paper influences the product characteristics, lighter paper is more flexible and heavier paper is stronger and less likely to tear.
 
Cloth gives great durability and flexibility offering resistance to tearing, and tolerating continual bending and flexing during use. Cloth backed products are only used for dry sanding operations and are ideal for heavy
material removal.