5 Things to Consider When Selecting Abrasives

Abrasives are the most important tool for mechanically processing concrete to a polished finish. They come in many forms, shapes and sizes and are made out of various materials whose bonding varies in hardness. 

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There are multiple variables and conditions that need to be considered when choosing your abrasives, including physical make up and the conditions they will be used under. The manufacturer of the abrasive should be able to give you guidelines on how their abrasives best work under certain conditions. 

Always keep in mind the material you are abrading (concrete and aggregate, glues, mastics, coatings) has to work together with your abrasive. Not using abrasives properly will affect both their performance and life. Here are five additional factors to consider when choosing the right abrasive: 

Weight. The weight over the abrasives will affect how they function. Too little weight and the abrasive will not cut efficiently or properly; too much weight may cause excessive wear. Too much weight over resin bond abrasives may also cause resin transfer resulting in a floor whose polished appearance may not be the result of the mechanical process but the result of creating a layer of shiny resin.

RPM. The RPM of the machine has to be properly managed. Lower grits work better at lower speeds. A lower grit run at higher speeds will not properly bite and abrade the surface but instead glide or skip over the surface. One of the ways to run higher speeds is by adding more weight, but you will need a machine and an abrasive that is designed to run under heavier weight and higher speeds. Higher grits can be run at higher speeds because they are removing less material from the surface and do not need excessive bite with the surface. Running an abrasive not designed for higher speed will lead to resin transfer.

Rotation. If using a planetary head machine the directional rotation of the main head and satellite heads will affect how an abrasive cuts. When using a planetary head machine the main head rotates in one direction. The path of least resistance is for the satellite head to rotate in the opposite direction. If both the main head and satellite heads can be set to rotate in the same direction a more aggressive abrasion will occur.

Tread. The tread or face of an abrasive comes in several different styles. You can have two different types of abrasives both being 100 grit. One 100 grit abrasive may have twice as much surface contact than the other. Although they may both be 100 grit, the one with less surface contact will be more aggressive in how quickly it cuts and will also take longer to create a fully refined scratch pattern.

Speed. The speed at which equipment moves over the surface in a linear motion will dictate how well the abrasive abrades the surface. Moving the machine too fast will not allow the abrasive to create a consistent, tight scratch pattern. Moving too slowly with an abrasive typically below 50 grit may cut too quickly and remove more than intended.

Understanding abrasives will allow you to provide a better product in a more efficient manner and give you the know how to effectively work with all the various types of concrete you encounter in the field.

Editor's Note: This article has been updated from the original version, which first appeared in the January issue of Concrete Contractor. 

Sandblasting is a method of using material at high pressure to clean surfaces. Common materials used for sandblasting include walnut shells, pumice and glass beads. You can choose more abrasive media to clean tougher jobs. Steel grit is a common option for blasting surface in preparation for paint.

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A professional sandblasting company will have the understanding and expertise to choose the correct media for your job, so it&#;s crucial to choose an experienced sandblaster.

Sandblasting offers a number of benefits and has a wide application. Here are just a few reasons to consider sandblasting for your next project.

Restores Rusty Equipment

Sandblasting is perhaps one of the most effective ways to remove rust from your equipment. Rust oxidizes metal and causes damage to the equipment that you depend on for your operation. Whether you own a commercial kitchen or an industrial business, having your equipment sandblasted is an easy and beneficial way to make it look new. This is particularly advantageous if you have food industry equipment that has accumulated rust and needs to be brought back to its original look.

Smooths Surfaces for Painting

If you have a painting project, sandblasting is an efficient method of smoothing the surface so that the paint goes on without rough spots and looks good. This is particularly useful if you&#;re planning on painting a surface that has accumulated several coats of paint over the years. As you apply more paint to the surface, it&#;s common to observe bumps and rough
spots that make the final job appear less than ideal. Sandblasting is extremely versatile and can prep a wide variety of surfaces so that they are ready to paint.

For example, it&#;s a great way to prepare a vehicle for a fresh coat of paint if you have a vehicle restoration project.

Blasts Oil and Contaminants

Automotive shops and other business that have equipment that accumulates oil will eventually need a thorough cleaning. Manually cleaning surfaces is a good way to keep your business clean. However, it won&#;t remove stuck-on oil and grime that has been accumulating over a long period of time. Bringing in a sandblasting team like McCutchen NJ Inc. means your equipment will receive a professional sandblasting to remove the oil and contaminants that aren&#;t lifted through manual cleaning.

It doesn&#;t require any harsh chemicals and will ensure that precision parts that you rely on are clean and free of dirt and debris.

Non-Toxic and SafeNon-Toxic and Safe

Many cleaning processes involve several steps and harsh chemicals that are hazardous to breathe and require more preparation to complete properly. Sandblasting, on the other hand, is a power washing technique that utilizes materials that are non-toxic and safe for your equipment and the environment. Industrial quality equipment is strong and can handle sandblasting. You won&#;t need to worry about your equipment being damaged by the cleaning process or have to deal with extended prep time to ensure that your equipment is safe.

Saves Time

One of the biggest advantages of sandblasting is that it saves time so that your business can remain productive with very little downtime. The particle material quickly blasts away pollutants from surfaces. When completed by a professional sandblasting operation, you&#;ll enjoy a swift turn around. Depending on the size of the surface, a cleaning job that would take hours to clean manually can be cleaned in a matter of minutes through sandblasting.

This is particularly useful if you have a large operation or a lot of equipment that needs cleaning.

N.J. McCutchen, Inc. is capable of blasting a wide variety of projects from small to large. Contact us with your project today.

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