Gritdeeltjes

Gritdeeltjes, also referred to as abrasive particles, are microscopic or small-sized solid materials employed to remove or modify the surface of another material. The term “grit” comes from the Dutch word for sand, and these particles can be derived from a wide variety of natural or synthetic sources such as silica, alumina, granite, or metallic oxides. Their physical characteristics—including size, shape, hardness, and composition—determine their suitability for specific applications.

The classification of gritdeeltjes is typically based on grain size, measured in mesh numbers, and often follows international standards such as the ASTM E92 or ISO 2920. Grains are grouped into categories like fine, medium, and coarse, with fine grit ranging from 3 to 6 MHz and coarse grit from 12 to 18 MHz. In addition to size, developers may grade grit by its abrasive capability, using scales such as the ISO 6500 abrasive classification or the traditional Rutherford scale. These gradations aid technicians in selecting the appropriate grit for surface preparation, texturing, or polishing jobs.

Practical uses of gritdeeltjes are extensive. In construction and manufacturing, they are used in sandblasting and abrasive blasting to clean, etch, or prepare surfaces before painting or coating. The abrasive action also removes corrosion, contaminants, and old paint. In decorative arenas, controlled grit blasting can create velvety textures on metal or wood. In the automotive industry, finer grits are employed for sanding and polishing finishes. Grit deeltjes are also common in cleaning processes for removing ink or rust from surfaces in archival preservation. Because abrasive particles are inherently sharp, proper safety equipment—such as masks, goggles, and protective clothing—is mandatory during operation.