Abrasives 101: Non-Woven
Non-woven abrasives are constructed with a nylon fiber substrate base bonded together with synthetic resins and abrasive grains. The abrasions from non-woven abrasives are less aggressive compared to coated abrasives due to their 3-D structure.
Non-woven’s nylon grit particles have a helical, spring shape so some force applied to the work-piece is absorbed in the compressed spring. As surface conditioning products run over a contoured surface, the springs compress and expand allowing constant contact with the entire surface.
The contouring nature of the abrasive allows deeper scratches to be removed while providing more fine, uniform finish. This reduces the numbers of steps in the finishing process and helps to reduce production costs.
Coated abrasive grains wear down and change shape which results in a different scratch pattern. With non-woven abrasives, as the product wears away the substrate breaks down and reveals a new sharp grain. This leads to a more uniform, finer finish. Due to the less aggressive cut, non-woven abrasives are used in surface conditioning applications such as deburring, cleaning, finishing, and light blending.
Advantages of non-woven abrasives include:
- finishes contoured surfaces without compromising critical tolerances obtained in earlier operations
- open structure helps product resist loading and run cool
- less likely to damage work piece
- waterproof resins allow product to be used wet or dry
- can be used on non-ferrous and ferrous metals, ceramics, and plastics
- grain breakdown process provides more consistent RA
What sets Z-WEB Surface Conditioning Apart?
ARC Abrasives is one of only two Surface Conditioning manufacturers in the United States, and 1 of only 4 in the world. Our commitment to the highest ratio of performance vs. price compliments our large offering of abrasive products for the metalworking industry. We also offer in-house and virtual field support for your application needs.
Z-Web represents ARC’s family of high performing surface conditioning products.
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