Title: A review on properties of abrasive grits and grit selection

Authors: Barbara S. Linke

Addresses: Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California Davis, One Shields Ave., Davis, CA 95616, USA

Abstract: Although abrasive machining is among the oldest manufacturing principles, it is still essential for today's industry. Abrasive tool quality is significantly affected by the quality of the contained abrasive grits. This paper gives an overview on the most important grit properties for grinding tools with regard to tool performance and manufacture. These properties include grit size, shape, and toughness. Relevant techniques for grit sorting and analysis (sieving, sedimentation, shape sorting, friability testing, etc.) are presented and compared with regard to the controlled grit properties. Grit quality remains an important criterion for tool performance. More transparency in grit sorting techniques and quality indicators for abrasive grits can help many stakeholders: grit producers, tool manufacturers, and tool users. Moreover, recycling of used grinding tools might become a future market.

Keywords: grinding tools; abrasive tools; abrasive grits; grinding grits; grit selection; grinding tool design; grit properties; tool performance; grit sorting; abrasive machining; grit size; grit shape; grit toughness.

DOI: 10.1504/IJAT.2015.070582

International Journal of Abrasive Technology, 2015 Vol.7 No.1, pp.46 - 58

Received: 06 Apr 2015
Accepted: 08 Apr 2015
Published online: 10 Jul 2015 *

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