Products

Abrasive action (from the Latin word "abradere" meaning "to scrape") can be considered the most ancient method of processing materials by cutting. Indeed, our ancestors scraped away everything they couldn't break, achieving the desired shape for their workpiece. Despite its archaism, this method remains relevant to this day. The only exception is that instead of a piece of stone, high-tech abrasive discs are used in the shaping process, driven by high-speed angle grinders or other devices in industrial applications.

Types and purpose

The scope of application for discs used with angle grinders, commonly known as "Bulgarians," is quite extensive. However, these consumables were developed for the following:

• fast and fairly accurate cutting of materials of various types;
• rough cleaning during preparation operations (rust, burrs, etc.);
• Surface grinding, possibly finishing.

The product's functionality is by no means limited to this modest list. Experienced craftsmen with a keen imagination use the grinder for sharpening chainsaw chains and other tools, for example.

An abrasive disc is suitable for processing a wide variety of materials, from steel and concrete to wood and plastic. Furthermore, it can not only cut, like abrasive cutting wheels for metal, but also grind, polish, and clean workpieces. Therefore, the models produced have significant design differences.

For example, a petal-type brush is used to remove old paint from a wooden surface. Its advantage is that the shavings don't get stuck on the surface and the brush doesn't clog. Wire brushes of various types can be used for the same purposes, as well as for removing rust.

Angle grinding discs have specific requirements, particularly regarding rotation speed. In this case, any versatility is out of the question, and specialized consumables and sufficiently powerful grinders are required.

For polishing, the working surface of the consumable is made of fabric, felt, or even natural wool. This product is attached to the grinder using a support plate.
An abrasive wheel for stone (concrete) is made of metal with an abrasive layer applied to its cutting edge. The working surface can be continuous (stone, tile) or discontinuous (concrete). Clearly, even in this case, there can be no standardization.

So-called universal options are only partially universal. While they're perfectly suitable for cutting rebar, they're practically useless for cutting tile or stone. In any case, to extend the life of consumables and ensure the safety of yourself and others, it's essential to use specialized products.

Marking

A high-quality grinding disc must contain information about its maximum rotation speed and grit size. The RPM (or m/s) indicated on the disc must not exceed the angle grinder's RPM. According to the additional color coding, green indicates 100 m/s, red indicates 80 m/s, and green indicates a maximum speed of 63 m/s.

Grit refers to the particle size of the abrasive wheel and is designated by the letter "F" and ranges from 16 to 220. A smaller F value corresponds to a larger grit size. Naturally, a larger stone will cut easier and faster. Grinding discs for angle grinders have the highest grit values.

The diameter (80-500 mm) and thickness (1-5 mm) of the product are also specified here. The latter significantly impacts the wear rate of the product, but ensures better cutting accuracy. Dimensions are most often selected based on the capabilities of the grinder, but also take into account the maximum speed and power of the grinder.
The most important parameter is the binder polymer material used to bond the grains in the abrasive disc into a monolithic product. The following options are possible:

• V – ceramic bond;
• B – bakelite binder;
• BF – the same, but with strengthening (external reinforcement);
• B4 – bakelite with graphite filling.

Information about the working substance itself is usually indicated in two ways. Its hardness is designated by one of the Latin letters (from H to T). The further the letter from the beginning of the alphabet, the higher the grain hardness. The crumb material is marked as follows:

• A – electrocorundum;
• B – elbor;
• C – silicon carbide;
• D – artificial diamond.

Additionally, some pictograms indicate safety conditions. The disc's colorful appearance is not a figment of the designers' imagination or an advertising gimmick, although there is some of the latter. The product contains useful and essential information.

Safety precautions

When working in a factory, wearing thick plastic safety glasses is mandatory. However, at home, many people neglect even the grinder's protective guard, using larger-than-standard blades or attempting to cut in hard-to-reach places.
It's important to remember that, when an abrasive wheel enters metal, for example, it creates a stream of hot microchips and dust. It's no wonder that many discs are marked with an "eye protection" symbol.

While working with metal cutting discs allows for some disregard for protective clothing, appropriate footwear and clothing are essential when working with metal wheels. Indeed, when cutting metal, you only need to protect your hands and eyes from sparks. A disc rupture in this case will not cause significant damage to other parts of the body. However, if the metal base ruptures at maximum rotation speed, protecting your feet and body with heavy protective clothing is a good idea.

In many grinding-related situations, respiratory protection is recommended. The grinding disc is often a source of heavy, sometimes harmful, dust. This impacts the worker's well-being and health.

For long-term work of this kind in organizations and companies, the recommendation to have a respirator becomes a mandatory requirement.

Checking the markings on the wheels before use to ensure they are within the expiration date and are compatible with the angle grinder will also reduce the risk of injury.

The remaining requirements (workspace clutter, lighting, presence of open moisture, etc.) are no different from the standard rules for safe operation of power tools.