Coated materials play a pivotal role in shaping, refining and perfecting a vast array of materials. From aerospace engineering to furniture craftsmanship, these high-performing abrasives have revolutionised precision, efficiency and sustainability in a cost-effective way. Commonly found in the form of belts, discs, rolls and sheets, coated abrasives are used to remove burrs, smooth out weld seams, and polish workpieces to prepare them for a final coating.

Different to bonded abrasives, which, owing to their rigidity are used in the manufacture of grinding wheels, coated abrasives consist of abrasive grains bonded to a flexible or sturdy backing material such as paper, cloth or fibre. Due to their flexibility, they offer superior adaptability to the workpiece.

Ongoing demand for higher precision, increased efficiency and environmental responsibility, has led to cutting-edge development within the coated manufacturing sector. Offering grinding, deburring and blending operations, they can be manufactured in almost any grain, suited for various materials including ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

The quality of coated abrasives depends on numerous parameters such as the amount of grain and weight per unit area, the quantity of base, topcoat and curing temperatures.

These parameters have been defined with a view to production and substantiated by quality insurance measures after every manufacturing step for each product. Apart from conforming to strict ISO standards, all our manufactured abrasives are made with the aim of meeting and exceeding maximum standards to ensure compliance with strict customer requirements.

Key innovations include the use of grain technology and improved backing materials, as well as the replacement of traditional abrasives like alumina oxide and silicon carbide, with higher performing grains like ceramic and engineered microcrystalline minerals.

Not only do these grains carry self-sharpening properties offering increased longevity and reduced material wastage, but they also have the ability when used optimally, to reduce overall cost where the output of parts in high volumes within the shortest time possible is a requirement.

Ceramic abrasives are particularly popular for applications involving tough and hard to grind materials, as well as heat sensitive materials, as the top size cooling agent ensures a cooler cutting action eliminating heat buildup and premature dulling of the grains.

With coated abrasives having progressed from conventional cloth and paper backings to polyester and other synthetic fabrics, both durability and flexibility have improved significantly.  Innovations include waterproof backings that now allow for wet sanding, which reduces dust and heat buildup, leading to superior finishes, and newer application methods that ensure uniform grain distribution, which optimises cutting efficiency, in turn providing consistent scratch patterns and finishes.

With multi-layer coatings new abrasive layers are exposed as top layers wear down on application. Greener biodegradable backings and water-based bonding agents reduce both environmental impact and energy consumption in manufacturing processes overall contributing to sustainability efforts within the industry.

With constant advancements in technology, the future of coated abrasives will continue to evolve, bringing innovative materials and processes that redefine industries.

As a local supplier, we have generous lead times and technical support available onsite. Whatever your application, we have the solution. For a custom abrasive basket, contact us today at +27 11 271 6400| info@grindtech.com| www.grindtech.com