Our Materials

Corundum and silicon carbide grinding wheels

Corundum

Corundum, aluminium oxide (Al2O3), is derived by fusing alumina and bauxite at about 2900°C – 3000°C. This is cooled and crushed to produce abrasive grain or grit. Special types of corundum, like the microcrystalline variety, are obtained with chemical processes. Ideal for materials with high tensile strength, such as steel, cast iron, bronze and nickel. We use various types of corundum which we mix to suit different requirements.

Silicon carbide

Silicon carbide is produced by synthesising carbon, coke and silica sand. Once the mass has cooled, the abrasive is crushed. Ideal for very hard metals, such as cemented carbide, and non-ferrous materials like glass, aluminium, rubber and stone materials.

Ice White Corundum

Containing 99.5% Al2O3, this is one of the most commonly used abrasives for grinding steels with a medium hardness rating of up to about 58 HRC. With high friability, it allows good regeneration of the grinding wheel.

Ruby Red Corundum

This contains 2% chromium oxide so is particularly well suited for grinding harder steels up to about 60 HRC.

Pink Corundum

This is slightly tougher than white corundum yet still retains good cutting properties. Recommended for extending the life of the grinding wheel profile.

Ultramarine Blue Ceramic Corundum

This microcrystalline ceramic corundum is synthetically produced and made up of minute crystals. Grinding wheels made with this material significantly improve grinding performance in terms of both removal speed and a longer life span for the tool.

Red-Brown Corundum

Containing 96% Al2O3, this abrasive retains its red-brown colour if the grinding wheel is fired at a low temperature and turns grey if the temperature reaches 1200°C. Used for rough grinding applications, such as deburring steels that are not too hard.

Monocrystalline Corundum

All the previously mentioned abrasives are produced with crushing, whereas monocrystalline corundum already crystallises into the final grain size. This means the crystal has less internal stress, which gives the grinding wheel greater cutting capacity and durability, allowing it to even grind steels up to 60 HRC.

Zirconia

Zirconia is an evolution of corundum, obtained by using a mineral that is not as hard but decidedly much tougher. This is why it is ideal when machining resistant materials, such as stainless steels.

Sage Green Silicon Carbide

Containing 99% silicon carbide, this abrasive is very sharp yet highly friable. It is well suited for grinding very hard materials, such as glass and hard metal, but can also be used for working non-ferrous materials like aluminium, rubber, bronze, plastics, etc.

Deep Black Silicon Carbide

Containing 97.5% silicon carbide, this abrasive has the same characteristics as green silicon carbide but is tougher and less friable. It is usually used for deburring non-ferrous materials.

Diamond

The hardest abrasive in the world is used for precision machining extremely hard and fragile materials, such as advanced ceramics and cemented carbides. It guarantees an excellent finish and lasting durability, which shortens machining times.

Cubic Boron Nitride (CBN)

This extremely hard material is ideal for machining tempered steels and ferrous alloys. CBN delivers excellent wear resistance and superior levels of performance for high-temperature applications while maintaining a consistent cutting quality.