Grit Sizes of Superabrasives

Surface quality and metal removal rate are the main criteria by which grain sizes are chosen and specified. The grit size is generally stated according to the FEPA standard or directly in US mesh. Meister Abrasives AG uses grit sizes up to 50,000 US mesh in superabrasives.

Display table with an overview of the grit sizes of superabrasives
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Grit sizes of conventional abrasive materials

Not only the abrasive material used but also the grit size chosen has a quite decisive influence on the result. The following rule of thumb approximately applies: "The larger the abrasive grit, the faster machining can be carried out and the longer the tool life of the grinding wheel!" This statement may have a certain justification in everyday grinding, but certainly applies less to precision grinding work. There are simple reasons for this: With modern conditioning methods (dressing and profiling of grinding wheels) a grit of size 36 – average diameter 0.5 – 0.6 mm – can theoretically easily be "trimmed" for rough grinding and then, with different dressing parameters, even for finish grinding. The individual grit then has a large number of tiny cutting edges.

However, it is nevertheless correct to choose the main grit size (see mixed grain wheels) to suit the task to a certain extent. The removal rate required and the surface quality to be achieved at the end of the grinding process take priority.

Overview of the grit sizes of conventional abrasives
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