AA Abrasives Blog

Introduction to Abrasive Grits for Metal Fabricators

Choosing the right abrasive grit is crucial for efficient metalworking, weld removal, and surface finishing. Using the wrong grit can cause:

• Excessive wear on abrasives
• Deep scratches on metal
• Slow production and poor finishes

In this guide, we provide a complete abrasive grit chart for metal, explain the uses of each grit, and recommend the best abrasives for different metals and applications.

Tip: Bookmark this page — it’s designed to be your quick reference for abrasive grits.

What Is Abrasive Grit?

Abrasive

Cubitron™ 3 is a groundbreaking abrasive technology developed by 3M that has redefined the world of surface finishing. This re-engineered precision-shaped ceramic triangular grain is designed using the latest proprietary breakthroughs in molecular bonding technology, which allows it to continuously fracture into sharp points. This innovative product delivers exceptional performance, durability, and efficiency.

3M™ Cubitron™ 3 Products

3M™ Cubitron™ 3 1184F Cloth Sanding Belts

3M™ Cubitron™ 3 1182C Fibre Discs

3M™ Cubitron™ 3 1187C Fibre Discs

3M™ Cubitron™ 3 1182C Quick-Change Fibre Discs

3M™ Cubitron™ 3 1187C Quick-Change Fibre Discs

3M™ Cubitron™ 3 Depressed Center Grinding Wheels

3M™ Cubitron™ 3 Cut-Off Wheels

3M™ Cubitron™ 3 Cut and Grind Wheels

What Sets Cubitron™ 3 Apart?

• Precision Cut Grain: Unlike traditional abrasives, Cubitron™ 3 features precision-shaped ceramic triangular grain structure that provides sharper edges and points. This translates into faster cutting rates and a smoother finish.
• Self-Sharpening Technology: The grain structure of Cubitron™ 3 is designed to self-sharpen as it wears, ensuring consistent performance throughout its lifespan. This reduces the need for frequent changes and saves time and money.
• Durability: Cubitron™ 3 is highly durable, able to withstand intense pressure and heat without breaking down. This means it can handle demanding applications and last longer than traditional abrasives.
• Reduced Heat Generation: Cubitron™ 3 generates less heat during the grinding process, which helps to prevent workpiece damage and improve overall surface quality.

Applications of Cubitron™ 3

• Metalworking: Grinding, finishing, and polishing metals of all types.
• Automotive: Finishing car bodies, bumpers, and other components.
• Aerospace: Grinding and polishing high-precision parts.
• Industrial Manufacturing: Finishing components

AA Abrasives is pleased to announce a new coarse grit of Norton Vortex Rapid Blend Unified Wheels! A finishing process solution that will enable you to take down and blend a weld in one step. Not only does the new coarse grit reduce finishing steps, but also provides a smear-free finish with operator comfort in mind and versatility with a unified 3D construction.

Vortex Rapid Blend Unified Wheels are the ideal choice for a wide range of metalworking tasks, including light weld bead and weld spatter removal, heavy deburring, cleaning imperfections on metal surfaces, and more.

These wheels feature a proprietary engineered Vortex aluminum oxide aggregate grain that remains sharp for a longer time, resulting in increased cutting efficiency while still delivering a fine finish. Their special resin chemistry prevents shedding when used on sharp edges, making them perfect for deburring without smearing. Made from non-woven synthetic fiber mesh infused

Introduction

AA Abrasives, Inc. is a authorized distributor for CS Unitec Power Tools. CS Unitec is a reputable manufacturer renowned for its innovative and high-quality industrial tools. Among CS Unitec offerings AA Abrasives is pleased to present the MAB Series Electric Portable Magnetic Drills and the MABasic Series Electric Portable Magnetic Drills which stand out as exceptional solutions for professionals in various industries where metalworking and drilling tasks are common.

The Power of Mag Drills

Magnetic Drills, often referred to as "Mag Drills," are powerful and versatile tools designed to create clean, accurate holes in metal surfaces. These drills utilize strong electromagnets to secure the tool onto vertical, horizontal, or even overhead surfaces, ensuring stability during drilling operations. The CS Unitec Mag Drills take this concept to a whole new level with

Sandpaper is available for sanding by hand and for use with power tools.

Hand-sanding products allows for better control and gives you the ability to reach areas that a power tool cannot. Hand sand wood as final preparation for finishes and between finish coats. Sandpaper for hand sanding comes in various sizes including the widely popular 9 x 11 sanding sheet. You can use some sandpaper for both hand sanding and power sanding.

Power-sanding products remove material quickly and efficiently. They are a good choice for getting rid of blemishes and for shaping and leveling wood. Power sanding is an effective method of preparing metal surfaces for paint. Sandpaper for power tools comes in sheets, discs and belts designed to fit specific power tools.

One way to determine which sandpaper will work best for a particular job is to know the abrasive materials and their properties.

Commonly used manmade abrasives:

• Aluminum oxide is

Grinding applications require mounted points that have a perfect balance in terms of chip performance, intended surface finish and service life. In foundries and mold forming operations, the use of mounted points on straight grinders and flexible shafts is often the only method of getting to hard-to-reach parts on workpieces and simultaneously improving the surface.

For best mounted point performance, always run the mounted point at the maximum allowable speed according to AnSI B7.1.

“W” shapes are best used for offhand and precision grinding of medium to heavy stock . The most commonly used mounted points are the A-1 Resin Bond Mounted Points,

Unmounted Flap Wheels are used for cleaning, blending, deburring and finishing on metal surfaces. AA Abrasives Unmounted Flap Wheels are made of quality Aluminum Oxide grain to provide consistent finishes.  Unmounted Flap Wheels in diameters from 3-1/2" to 12" are available on our website. Safe maximum RPM ratings are indicated on each flap wheel. 

Unmounted Flap Wheels

*Note that the arbor hole can be bushed down meaning a bushing may be inserted in the arbor hole to reduce the size of the arbor hole.