3 Common Types of Abrasive Grain Along with Backing Options for Your Next Project

What Are the Most Common Abrasive Grains for “Coated Abrasives”?

The abrasive grains used on belts, wheels, discs, and pads for sanding and finishing applications play a crucial role in determining the final appearance and feel of the material. This is because the grains’ varying hardness and grit levels can either enhance or detract from the desired look. Using an incorrect abrasive grain material can not only prolong the work and time required, but also potentially damage/discolor the material.

3 of the most popular abrasive grain types available on the market are:

• Ceramic Alumina
• Zirconia Alumina
• Aluminum Oxide

What Is Ceramic Alumina?

Ceramic-type abrasives provide the longest life and fastest cut rate of all coated abrasives available. They are the newest grain innovation and represent the ultimate quality in performance, providing an aggressive, consistent cut under moderate to high pressure. Ceramic Alumina abrasive grains are usually red or orange in color and are used primarily for metal applications.

Preferred Abrasives provides Ceramic Alumina abrasive grains in the following products:

• Resin Fiber Discs (24-120 grit) with a Stiff Fiber Board Backing
• Quick Change Discs (24-120 grit) with a Heavy Cloth Backing
• Flap Discs (24-120 grit) with a Heavy Cloth Backing
• PSA Discs (24-120 grit) with a Heavy Cloth Backing
• Cartridge Rolls (24-120 grit) with a Regular Cloth Backing
• Cross or Square Pads (24-120 grit) with a Regular Cloth Backing
• Belts (24-120 grit) with a Heavy Cloth Backing
• Belts (60-220 grit) with a Soft J-wt. Backing
• No-Lap Bands (36-120 grit)

What Is Zirconia Alumina?

Zirconia Alumina is commonly referred to as Zirc or Zirconium. Zirc is ideal for coarse to medium grit applications on metal and is a good choice for aggressive applications. Zirc is usually green or blue in color and performs best under high pressure, which is required for the grain to re-fracture exposing new sharp edges.

Preferred Abrasives provides Zirconia Alumina abrasive grains in the following products:

• Resin Fiber Discs (24-120 grit) with a Stiff Fiber Board Backing
• Quick Change Discs (24-120 grit) with a Heavy Cloth Backing
• Flap Discs (24-120 grit) with a Regular Cloth Backing
• PSA Discs (24-120 grit) with a Heavy Cloth Backing
• Cartridge Rolls (36-80 grit) with a Regular Cloth Backing
• Belts (24-120 grit) with a Heavy Cloth Backing
• Belts (24-180 grit) with a Regular Cloth Backing
• No-Lap Bands (36-120 grit)

What Is Aluminum Oxide?

Aluminum Oxide is perhaps the most common and least expensive abrasive grain. This material is a good starting point for most metal and wood applications and is durable with tough cutting edges, but it dulls during use. Aluminum Oxide is usually brown or reddish in color, but can be blue, green, or yellow which usually indicates the presence of a grinding aid/lubricant.

Preferred Abrasives provides Aluminum Oxide abrasive grains in the following products:

• Resin Fiber Discs (24-120 grit) with a Stiff Fiber Board Backing
• Quick Change Discs (24-320 grit) with a Heavy Cloth Backing
• PSA Discs (24-320 grit) with a Regular Cloth Backing
• Mounted Flap Wheels and Unmounted Flap Wheels (40-320 grit) with a Regular Cloth Backing
• Cartridge Rolls (36-320 grit) with a Regular Cloth Backing
• Cross or Square Pads (24-120 grit) with a Regular Cloth Backing
• Sheet & Shop Rolls (60-400 grit) with a Soft J-Wt. Cloth Backing
• Belts (24-600 grit) with a Heavy Cloth Backing
• Belts (24-600 grit) with a Regular Cloth Backing
• Belts (60-600 grit) with a Soft J-Wt. Cloth Backing
• Belts (60-600 grit) with a Soft J-Flex wt. Cloth Backing
• No-Lap Bands (36-120 grit)