abrasiivsed

Abrasiivsed (abrasives) are materials used to remove material from a workpiece by mechanical wear. They achieve material removal when hard particles are pressed against a surface and moved, cutting, scratching, or plowing away substrate. Abrasives may be natural or synthetic and are employed across metalworking, woodworking, electronics, and automotive industries, among others.

Form and configuration: There are three broad categories. Loose abrasives consist of grains or particles used in bulk. Bonded abrasives group grains together with a binding material to create grinding wheels, discs, or stones. Coated abrasives feature abrasive grains adhered to a backing material, as in sandpapers, belts, and discs.

Common materials: Widely used abrasive materials include aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, garnet, diamond, and cubic boron nitride. The choice depends on hardness, toughness, and thermal stability relative to the workpiece; sharper grains remove material faster but wear quickly.

Performance and selection: Important factors are hardness relative to the workpiece, friability (how readily grains fracture to expose new cutting edges), grit size, bond type, coverage, and heat generation. Standards such as FEPA and ISO define grit sizing and product specifications.

Safety and environmental aspects: Abrasion generates dust and particulates; silica-containing materials may pose respiratory hazards. Proper ventilation, dust control, and personal protective equipment are recommended.

History: Abrasives evolved from natural minerals to synthetic materials in the 20th century, enabling standardized grit sizing and more predictable performance.