FAQ: Grains
What is Aluminum?
Aluminum Oxide is a general purpose manufactured synthetic grain, making it tough and durable. It’s hardness makes it wear-resistant to stress applications and is generally a reddish or brown color. Ideal for aluminum, exotic alloys, mild steel, and ferrous metals.
What is Zirconia?
Zirconia Alumina is also a synthetic grain with a sharper, block like structure and is a blueish color. As these grains fracture under heat or pressure, they produce new cutting edges which allows longer cutting life. Ideal for aluminum, mild steel, stainless steel, ferrous metals, and non-ferrous metals.
What is Silicon Carbide?
Silicon Carbide is black and the hardest synthetic grain. It is sharp but friable, making it fast cutting but short lived. It is ideal for use on non-ferrous metals like aluminum, brass, bronze, magnesium and titanium.
What is Ceramic?
Ceramic is a natural grain consisting of millions of smaller crystals, giving it self-sharpening capabilities as it fractures away. Ceramic provides the longest life and fastest cut rate and is generally in warmer color tones. Ideal for aluminum, exotic alloys, mild steel, and stainless steel.
What does “PLUS” mean in materials?
Plus is a term used to define products with grinding aids that help lower grinding temperatures and reduce loading. These aids are additional top coats added to the grains.
What are the best grains to use on mild steel?
We recommend to use Zirconia or Ceramic grains.
What are the best grain to use on stainless steel?
Ceramic provides superior performance on stainless steel.
Which grain is commonly used on wood?
Aluminum Oxide is a general purpose grain that is used often on wood.
What are the best grains to use on aluminum?
We recommend Zirconia or ceramic with a grinding aid to prevent loading (Performance Coated™).
Can I use Zirconia Alumina (ZA) discs on stainless steel applications?
ZA flap discs are recommended for stainless and mild steel for consistent stock removal. For the best performance, choose a ceramic grain.
