Abrasives are essential to the manufacturing processes, and the right abrasive will offer versatility and efficiency when you are grinding, cutting, polishing, or preparing surfaces.
At BlackHawk Industrial, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality products, including abrasives that will meet the demands of our most discerning clients, ranging in industries from metalworking to woodworking, manufacturing, and beyond. Whether you’re crafting precision parts for a custom order or polishing a mirror finish, our selection of abrasives will help you deliver consistent performance and exceptional results.
Choosing the Right Abrasives For Your Needs
The right abrasive will depend on the material you’re working with, the specifics of the project, and the finish you’re looking for with that particular abrasive. We have a deep catalog of abrasives to ensure that you have the right tool for any job. Factors to consider:
Material Hardness - Harder materials, like steel, will require a durable abrasive like aluminum oxide or zirconia alumina. If you are working with wood, plastic, or aluminum, you can use a silicon carbide or non-woven abrasive for a more gentle touch and a reduced risk of surface damage.
Desired Finish - If you are roughing out a shape, you will want a courser grit; alternately, if a smooth finish is your goal, then you’ll want a fine abrasive — and will likely graduate through a series of increasingly finer abrasives until you get the finish you want.
Type of Application - If you’re grinding, cutting, or polishing, each application will require a different abrasive type to make sure you are maximizing your efficiency and protecting your workpiece.
Tools - Are you hand-sanding with a block, using an orbit sander, belt sander, or something else? Once you’ve decided the type of material you’ll be using and the appropriate grits, you need to be sure you get an abrasive that is compatible with your tools.
Types of Abrasives
You’ll notice that there is a wide variety of abrasives. Each is meant for specific needs:
Bonded Abrasives
Bonded abrasives are perfect for grinding and shaping tough materials like metal and stone. They are found in the form of grinding wheels, cut-off wheels, and mounted points and will remove high volumes of material with ease.
Non-Woven Abrasives
You’ll find non-woven abrasives in applications like surface conditioning, deburring, blending, and polishing. These abrasives allow for controlled use and produce a consistent finish without damaging or altering the workpiece.
Superabrasives
For maximum precision in industries like aerospace, custom automotive, and medical manufacturing, diamond and cubic boron nitride abrasives will give you exceptional cutting power with unmatched durability.
Abrasives Pro Tips
Get the most out of your abrasives with these expert tips:
- Use the Right Speed: Fast ≠ Better in all applications. Consider the manufacturer’s recommendations, the material you’re working on, and the finish you’re working for while determining the right speed.
- Match Your Materials: Make sure you are using the right grit for your desired finish, and that the abrasive material is compatible with your workpiece. The wrong combination might ruin your material or leave you with something to be desired in your finish.
- Inspect Before Use: Inspect your abrasives for cracks, wear, bare spots, or damage to make sure you are using them safely and effectively.
- Store Properly: Keep your abrasives stored in a cool, dry environment where they won’t be exposed to direct sunlight in order to keep them working for the duration of their intended lifespan. Exposure to moisture, high heat, or UV can prematurely degrade them.
- Water Popping: This is specific to wood. “Water popping,” or “grain popping,” is the practice of spraying a light coating of clean water on your wood before sanding. This causes the wood cells to open, giving you a better sanding finish.
Why Purchase Abrasives from BlackHawk Industrial?
At BlackHawk Industrial, we distinguish ourselves as the #1 choice for industrial manufacturers who are in need of Technical Service and Production Savings. We are their “across-the-production-floor” partner, delivering value through product and supply chain performance that lowers their total cost of production.
With a wide selection of high-quality abrasives, we cater to industries ranging from automotive to construction, ensuring you have access to the right tools for the job. Our knowledgeable team provides expert guidance to help you select the best abrasives for your specific applications, making us your trusted partner for all your abrasive needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Abrasives
How do I choose the right abrasive for my application?
Start by identifying the material you’re working with and the finish you’re going for. Then, think about the actual task — are you cutting, grinding, polishing? If you are having a hard time finding the right tool for your job, our team is available to help you.
What is the difference between a coated or bonded abrasive?
A coated abrasive is flexible and is preferred for things like surface preparation and finish work, while a bonded abrasive is rigid and best suited for heavy-duty material removal through grinding and cutting.
How often should I replace abrasives?
There’s no hard and fast rule about when to replace your abrasives, since it all depends on how you are using them, the materials they are being used on, and how often you are using them. Keep an eye out for wear, reductions in performance, uneven results, or any visible damage to the abrasive. If you continue to use a worn abrasive, you might damage your tools or your workpiece.
Can I use the same abrasive on different materials?
There are plenty of instances where this is totally fine, but you want to make sure that you’re using an abrasive that is specifically designed for the materials you are working on to avoid damage and get the best results.