The micro-grain structure of ceramic sanding belts results in smaller fragments being broken away during the grinding process, which gives them a longer performance life than their zirconia counterparts. Ceramic belts do last longer, but they are also slightly more expensive than zirconia belts. Fintech Industrial Abrasives is a leading manufacturer of industrial abrasive products like zirconia and ceramic sanding belts.
Choosing the right sanding belt is a challenge and more important than you may think, as failure to do so can cause damage to both the materials that you’re working on as well as your belt sander. The five most common types of machines you’ll use a sanding belt on are hand powered belt sanders, tube belt sanders, belt file sanders, floor sanders and stationary sanding belt grinders. Belt file sanders are usually handheld sanding machines that make use of narrow, small sanding belts.
There are numerous types of belt sanders that you can find, and they can be divided into two basic types: stationary belt sanders that are clamped on a benchtop, and handheld belt sanders that are portable and can be carried. Stationary belt sanders are only found with corded power, while you can find handheld belt sanders with both corded and cordless capabilities. The speed of a belt sander refers to how fast it rotates the belt, and this is measured in feet per second, while most manufacturers also show the value in rotations per minute, or RPM. Most of the belt sanders have a fixed speed, generally ranging between 1500 and 2000 RPM. Plus, you can find belt sanders with two-speed settings: low and high.
Picking sanding belts can be somewhat of a daunting task with the combination of all the different grit sizes as well as the types of grain and backing materials on the belts. Most commonly found on wet & dry sanding sheets, Silicon Carbide is the grain of choice for belt sanding glass, plastic, rubber, ceramic or other masonry type materials. A relative newcomer to the abrasive sanding belt realm, ceramic belts are a specially heat treated aluminum oxide grain that is extremely hard.
The outcome of your sanding project depends highly on the sanding belt you choose to use with your belt sander. Check out the options we’ve listed below to determine which sanding belt will be the best option for your next project. Best for Less: Abrasive Brand Sanding Belts for Belt Sander S SATC. If you’re looking for a deal on high-quality sanding belts, Abrasive Brand has you covered.
best belt sander material Related Question:
What is best material for a sanding belt?
Most commonly found on wet & dry sanding sheets, Silicon Carbide is the grain of choice for belt sanding glass, plastic, rubber, ceramic or other masonry type materials. It is also very popular in the very high grits for fine finishing on both metal and wood.
What are sanding belts made of?
We offer over 20 different sanding belt materials that include: Ceramic, Zirconia, Aluminum Oxide and Silicon Carbide. Many belts are run against a contact wheel or a metal platen eliminating any need for a flexible backing.
Which is better silicon carbide or aluminum oxide?
Silicon carbide is a sharper and harder grain compared to aluminum oxide, but silicon carbide is less durable because it is brittle and has a more narrow shape that wears down at an increased rate.
Which is better zirconia or aluminum oxide?
Zirconia grain has a high heat resistance and is substantially stronger than aluminum oxide abrasives, which makes it a good choice for high-pressure grinding and machining applications. Zirconia belts, which work best in the 24 to 120 grit range, are regularly used in steel fabrication shops.
What is the difference between ceramic and aluminum oxide?
Ceramic grains are the newest technology; their micro grain structure allows for smaller pieces to break away during the grinding process which makes them last longer than Zirc. Aluminum oxide on the other hand gets dull as it wears; the stock removal rate drops dramatically as the grains dull.
Should you push down on a belt sander?
You do not have to push down on the sander. Pull the sander backward letting the weight and sharpness of the belt cut the surface. Don’t pull back and then tip the sander off the edge or you’ll cut off too much wood and need to build it back up with putty.
What is the best speed for a belt sander?
The optimal speed for belt grinders is largely dependent on a number of factors, including type of abrasive grain, grit grade, workpiece material, and more. Generally speaking, a safe speed in most cases is 3,000 surface feet per minute. You can calculate surface feet per minute using the formula SFPM = RPM X .
Is silicon carbide good for sanding wood?
Silicon Carbide Sanding Belts Silicon carbide is a hard and sharp abrasive, making it an ideal choice for cutting hard materials like metal, stone, paint, and wood finishes. (For example, you can use it to sand ceramic finishes off of wood floors.)
Is silicon carbide sandpaper good?
Silicon carbide sandpaper is the hardest and sharpest common abrasive, but it lacks durability due to its brittleness. Also, the narrow particle size wears down faster. The grains are razor-sharp so that they can sand metal, marble, glass, stone, cork, medium-density fiberboard, and plastic with minimal pressure.
What material is used to sand metal?
Higher grits may be needed when determining the best sandpaper for metal, such as brass. The best sandpaper for hard metals such as iron or steel is aluminum oxide, while the best sandpaper for softer metals such as aluminum or brass is silicon carbide.
How can I make my sanding belt last longer?
Another way to extend the life of your belts is to prevent clogging and loading in the first place. This can be done with an abrasive belt grease stick that goes on the belt before use. These sticks have a lightweight grease that spreads a thin layer of lubricant over the surface of your sanding material.
What is the best grit for sanding metal?
It is recommended to use a 320 or higher grit count to sand metal. If you need to polish metal, it is best to use a much finer sandpaper grit. Although you could get away with using something as course as a 320 grit count, is it recommended to use something as fine as 1,200 grit count to achieve the smoothest finish.
What’s the best sandpaper for metal?
Aluminum oxide is a common sandpaper type that works on wood, plastic, metal and drywall. The particles break during sanding, constantly exposing new, sharp edges. Aluminum oxide sandpaper is long lasting, making it a popular choice for power-sanding, and you can also use it for hand-sanding.
What is the best sandpaper for belt sander?
40 to 60 grit is best suited for the heaviest work. When you’re performing tasks such as smoothing surfaces or removing minor blemishes, you’re better off using sandpaper with 80 to 120 grit. For the end of a job, when you’re finishing surfaces, a fine sandpaper with 350 to 600 grit is the ideal choice.
Is zirconia and ceramic the same?
Zirconia, like many ceramics, contains metal atoms, but it’s not a metal. It’s a ceramic, one which combines the biocompatible aspects of ceramics with a very high strength–stronger than titanium in some ways. Zirconia is zirconium dioxide (ZrO2).