Introduction to Abrasive Finishing

Abrasive finishing utililzes various types and sizes of abrasive minerals.  These minerals are bonded to paper, cloth, belts, wheels, non-woven products, bonded products, rubber, sponges, film, composites, or brushes. 

When the abrasive product is moved across the workpiece with pressure applied, it will reomve material, dimension, mechanically and visually finsh with endless results. 

A few of the products finished are wood, glass, stone, composites, and metals.

Below are areas of specialized abrasive finishing knowledge:

• Surface Feet Speed Recommendations
   

• Abrasive Grit / RMS Comparisons
   

• Abrasive Grain Sizes and Comparisons
   

• Abrasive Storage and Safety Recommendations

Offhand Grinding Suggested Belt Speeds
Surface Feet Recommendation

	Material	Belt Speed (sfpm)
	Cast Iron	7000
	Carbon Steel	6500
	Stainless Steel	6500-7000
	Aluminum	7500-8000  Coarse
		6500-7000  Fine
	Brass	7000-8000
	Titanium	2500-3000
	Glass	5000          Silicon Carbide
		7500-8000  Flex Diamond
	Rubber	4500
	Stone (2000-3400 rpm)	7000
	Cobalt	4500-5500  Coarse
		3500-4000  Fine
	Magnesium	5500-6000
	Plasma Coating with Diamond	5000-6000
	Dia. CW x x RPM 12 =SFPM	SFPM x 12  Dia. CW x =RPM