Abrasives

Cut-off wheels sever stock using their edge, grinding wheels remove heavy material, flap discs remove stock and blend in one step, and wire brushes clean off rust, weld slag and paint with little removal of base metal. Sheets and belts are used for surface finishing or on stationary machines. Choose by operation first, then size and grit.

Aluminium oxide is the general choice for carbon steel, zirconia lasts longer under high pressure on steel and stainless, and ceramic grain resharpens itself well, suiting hard alloys and stainless. Silicon carbide is sharp but brittle, suiting cast iron, non-ferrous metals, stone, glass and wet sanding. For stainless, choose products declared low in iron, sulphur and chlorine to avoid contamination and rusting.

Every cut-off wheel, grinding wheel, flap disc and brush carries a maximum speed in RPM or m/s, and it must be equal to or higher than the tool's no-load speed. Never fit a disc larger than the tool and guard were designed for. Overspeeding is a common cause of disc breakage.

State the outside diameter, thickness, bore, grain and grit, the workpiece material, the machine type and its speed, and the quantity for each item. For example, a 105 x 1.0 x 16 mm cut-off wheel for stainless on an angle grinder. Send the list to sales@kit.com.vn for KIT to check and quote.

Store them in a dry room at a stable temperature, away from moisture and freezing, since resin bonds and paper or cloth backings are affected by humidity. Wheels should lie flat on a rigid surface or in dedicated racks, with nothing heavy placed on top. Issue stock according to the expiry date printed on the label or metal ring.

Grinding dust contains both abrasive grain and workpiece metal, which can include chromium, nickel, manganese or free silica depending on the material. Local exhaust at the source, such as a tool-mounted shroud or downdraft bench, comes before general ventilation. A particulate respirator is the last line of defence and is chosen according to the exposure assessment.