A variety of grits are available. One of the most common is aluminum oxide. This material is found in different colors and has different grinding characteristics. Grey and brown abrasive grit are general-purpose and can be used on various steels. Pink and white abrasive sandpaper is used on harder steels. Silicon carbide abrasives come in green and black.
Steel is rated from A-Z according to hardness. If you are grinding a hard metal, you'll want to use a coarser abrasive. The P8-P36 range is considered extra coarse and should be used only on the toughest jobs. This type of abrasive is more costly than other types, but it can be reused 150 to 200 times.
Abrasive grit ranges from fine to extra-fine. The fine abrasives are good for sharpening, polishing, and chamfering. The coarser abrasives are best for cutting and grinding heavy stocks. The P-36 grit is used for weld grinding. The 60-80 range is best for finishing and blending.
For more aggressive grinding, you can choose abrasive discs with 80-grit. Light discs are often used to minimize peaks and valleys. The ideal outcome is a small distance between the peaks and valleys. Deep peaks can fill with paint and increase the time required to finish the job. If you use a coarse abrasive, it is recommended to grind with a medium abrasive.
The grit used for steel grinding has four main categories: 24 grit for rough stock removal, 36/40 for aggressive grinding, and 80/120 for medium finishing. The Mohs scale further separates these categories, so you can choose the one that suits your needs. If you are unsure which type of abrasive to choose, consult a professional. They can help you select the right type of abrasive for the job at hand.
When choosing a grit for steel grinding, consider the hardness of the material you're grinding. Abrasive with a low hardness can be useful on softer materials. A strong bond can be used for harder materials. Abrasive that is too soft can damage the material and ruin the surface. Generally, the harder the metal, the higher the grit. Grinding a stainless steel component, a harder abrasive will be more effective.
When choosing a grit for steel grinding, it's important to remember that the harder the material is, the harder it is to grind it. If you're grinding a piece of steel with high hardness, choose a grit with lower hardness. It's important to remember that this abrasive will wear down the material as it grinds.
Typically, grit can be either coarse or fine. The first type is the hardest, while the second is the softest. The finer grit is more durable. Grit can be reused 150 to 200 times. The harder a steel is, the more aggressive the corresponding abrasive. This will impact the amount of time the grit is required for the final steel grinding step.
Abrasives are classified according to their hardness. The harder a material is, the harder the abrasive must be. Usually, abrasive grits can be used for a wide range of jobs. For example, aluminum oxide grits are used for aggressive stock removal. However, the less aggressive abrasives will give a better surface finish.
Abrasives come in different grades. For example, aluminum oxide is a common choice for steel grinding. In addition to this, the abrasive wheel will have a wide range of grits. A coarser abrasive is more appropriate for a wide area, while a small area of contact requires a finer grit. Meanwhile, abrasive wheels used for a small-scale process will need a finer abrasive.