Abrasives are materials used for grinding, polishing, cutting, and smoothing surfaces by wearing away unwanted material. 
They are typically made from hard and durable substances such as diamond, aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, or other materials. 
Abrasives are used in a wide range of applications, including metalworking, woodworking, automotive manufacturing, construction, and more. 
With their ability to remove unwanted material and create a smooth surface, abrasives play a crucial role in many manufacturing and construction processes.
	
	Types of Abrasives
	Coated Abrasive
	
		An abrasive grain bonded to a flexible substrate with adhesives.
	
	
		-  Resin fibre discs
-  Flap discs
-  Belts
-  Sanding discs
Non-Woven Abrasive
	
		Abrasive grains that are held together by nylon fibres, randomly interweaved into an open web design with phenolic resin.
	
	
		-  Hand pads (Scotch Brite)
-  Surface prep discs
-  Finishing balls
Bonded Abrasives
	
		Bonded abrasives are a mixture of abrasive grains, fillers, and bonding materials used for stock removal, cutting, and sharpening.
	
	
		-  Grinding wheels
-  Chop saw blades
-  Cutting discs
-  Cones, plugs & mounted points
Minerals in Abrasives
	Aluminum Oxide “A/O” - Colour: brown/deep red
	
		Economical, all-purpose disc with good performance all around. These discs have been designed to excel in a wide variety of applications providing both cost effective stock removal, and a safe working environment. Downside: shorter life span and higher heat production.
	
	Zirconia “Zirc” - Colour: blue
	
		The extremely hard grain sharpens itself in use delivering outstanding cutting rates and maximum useful life. The bond promotes a cool grinding action which reduces glazing and loading. Most cost effective when used in high production applications where cutting rates are monitored.
	
	Ceramic “X” - Colour: red
	
		Developed especially for use on stainless steel and other alloys. Provides higher cut rates & cooler grinding temperatures. An anti-glazing, anti-loading, cool grinding product. Works on the hardest metals, like stainless steel, carbon steel, exotic alloys and titanium. Best suited for high productivity application.