Since the properties of metal vary significantly from wood, plastic, glass, and other regularly-sanded materials, the key to a successful outcome is choosing the best sandpaper for metal. In this blog, the abrasive specialists at Red Label Abrasives provide some tips for choosing the right grain for your application.
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Abrasive grains are tiny particles bonded to a sandpaper’s backing material. In metalworking, there are several types of grains used, each with its unique characteristics and applications. Some of the common options are highlighted below.
Aluminum oxide is commonly used in metalworking. As a material, it is durable, hard, and can be used to grind, sand, and polish a wide range of materials, including steel, cast iron, and aluminum. Sandpaper intended for metalworking tends to be closed-coated, meaning that abrasive particles cover nearly the entire surface of the backing material.
A hard and sharp abrasive material, silicon carbide is often used for metalworking applications where aggressive material removal is required. It generates less heat than other abrasives, making it a good choice for heat-sensitive applications. However, it is not as durable as some other abrasive materials, so it may not be the best choice for some high-volume or heavy-duty metalworking applications.
Zirconia is a tough, durable abrasive grain used for heavy-duty grinding and cutting applications. Its self-sharpening abrasive grains extend belt life up to two and a half times longer than aluminum oxide. It is particularly useful for grinding and cutting metals that are difficult to machine, such as high nickel alloys and titanium.
EdgeCore ceramic is widely considered the best abrasive grain for sanding metal. It is highly recommended for high-pressure grinding, as its micro-fracturing feature continuously exposes fresh abrasive grain during use. This abrasive is versatile, making it an ideal choice for knife makers and blacksmiths. Its functionality also extends to stock removal, blade profiling, and blade sharpening, making EdgeCore ceramic belts a valuable tool for anyone working with metals.
EdgeCore also provides additional benefits over common ceramic grains. EdgeCore abrasives include an additional stearate layer, which reduces heat buildup and clogging. This makes EdgeCore ceramic an even better abrasive for finishing and high-pressure grinding.
Each of these abrasive grains has its unique characteristics and applications in metalworking. The choice of abrasive grain depends on the material being worked on, the desired surface finish, and the type of operation being performed.
The type of metal being worked with is a crucial factor to consider when choosing the appropriate abrasive grain. Different metals have varying levels of hardness, toughness, and other physical properties, which can affect how they respond to sandpaper. Using the wrong grain for a particular metal can result in a poor surface finish and increased wear on the abrasive.
Steel comes in various forms, including carbon, stainless, and alloy. While carbon steel is relatively soft and can be worked on using aluminum oxide, stainless steel is harder and more challenging due to its high chromium content. In this case, zirconia or EdgeCore Ceramic may be more suitable, as they are tougher and more durable.
Aluminum is a lightweight metal often used in manufacturing and construction applications. Being a soft metal, it can be easily scratched or damaged and therefore requires a gentler abrasive. Aluminum oxide abrasive grains are suitable for working on aluminum, as they are not as aggressive as other materials and can provide a good surface finish.
Titanium is a highly durable metal used in the aerospace and medical industries. It is difficult to machine due to its high strength and toughness, so EdgeCore ceramic can be used for the best results when grinding and polishing titanium. Diamond is a super-hard abrasive material that can withstand the high pressures and temperatures associated with grinding hard metals like titanium.
Copper is a soft metal that is commonly used in electrical wiring and plumbing. It is relatively easy to work on using abrasive materials like aluminum oxide, which won’t resist loading with copper. However, care must be taken to avoid overheating the metal, which can cause it to anneal and become softer.
Metalworkers should consider the amount of material that needs to be removed when selecting an abrasive material. While stock removal and shaping call for coarser sandpaper that can withstand heat, finishing and polishing are less intense and can be accomplished by a finer grit and less aggressive abrasive.
If the amount of material to be removed is significant, a more aggressive abrasive material is required to get the job done quickly. For example, if you’re trying to shape a knife from a steel bar, you’ll want to use a coarser-grit (P40-P60) abrasive material such as EdgeCore ceramic or zirconia. These grains are tough, durable, and can provide a fast cut-rate, making them suitable for heavier material removal.
If a moderate amount of material needs to be removed, a medium to a fine grit (P100 - P220) aluminum oxide or silicon carbide may be used. These grains are less aggressive than ceramic or zirconia but still provide a good cut rate, especially for shaping after stock removal has been accomplished.
When polishing metal, fine or ultra-fine grit (P240 and up) aluminum oxide or silicon carbide sandpaper are recommended. Aluminum oxide is the preferred option for polishing hard metals like iron and steel, while silicon carbide is better suited for polishing softer metals such as aluminum and brass.
The amount of material that needs to be removed is an important consideration when choosing the best sandpaper for metal. Using the right abrasive and grit size material can help achieve the desired result quickly and efficiently while minimizing the amount of wear on the abrasive.
The technique you use when sanding metal is critical to achieving a smooth and even finish. Always sand in the direction of the grain to avoid creating scratches or other imperfections on the surface. When using a sanding block or power tool, make sure to apply even pressure to avoid creating uneven surfaces. Other tips include:
Choosing the right sandpaper for metalworking is essential to achieve a successful outcome, whether it be surface preparation, grinding, or polishing. Your choice should be guided by the type of metal being worked on, the amount of material to be removed, and the desired surface finish. By considering these factors and selecting the appropriate abrasive grain, you can achieve your desired results quickly and efficiently while minimizing wear on the abrasive.
At Red Label Abrasives, we sell sanding belts, sanding discs, and sanding sheets specially designed for different metalworking applications. Not only do we carry a wide variety of abrasive products, including aluminum oxide, ceramic, and zirconia, but we also provide exceptional customer service and competitive pricing. If you have questions or would like to place an order, call 844-824- or fill out our contact form today!noissue Custom Food Wrapping Paper by @cutlunchdeli
If you own or work in a takeout restaurant, food truck, or bakery, you’ll know how important it is to make sure that your food is well-wrapped. Quality wrapping paper keeps food fresh and delicious while also making a good impression on your customers. After all, you only get one chance to impress them for the first time, make it count, and they'll keep coming back!
Let’s touch on everything you need to know about sandwich wrap paper. We'll cover what it is, what food products go best with it, and what businesses should look for when choosing a sandwich wrap paper.
Sandwich paper is a type of deli paper designed for wrapping different types of cooked or fresh goods. The ideal sandwich wrap paper is both grease-resistant and moisture-resistant. This ensures that your food stays fresh and delicious without the paper getting soggy from oils or moisture.
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Sandwich wrap paper is most commonly used to wrap delicious bread sammies, of course! But the beauty of this type of packaging is its versatility. You can use sandwich wrap paper to package all sorts of different food items, not just for wrapping bread-based items. Here are some of our favorite examples:
Really, the possibilities are endless! If you're packaging food that is best served hot and fresh, sandwich wrap paper is a great option to keep food secure and tasty.
Deli sandwich wrap paper is so versatile that you don’t even need to use it for wrapping if you don’t want to! It also functions great as a food basket liner for French fries, mozzarella sticks, cookies, and so much more. Using deli wrap as a food basket liner at your restaurant enhances the customer dine-in experience by promoting hygiene, preventing sogginess and enhancing aesthetic appeal.
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When choosing a sandwich wrap paper for your business, look for these great benefits.
The first and most important thing to look for is grease resistance. You want to make sure that your sandwich paper is thick enough to stand up to all the grease and moisture that comes with packaging hot or warm food. Otherwise, you run the risk of your paper getting soggy or oily, which is unappealing and can also affect your food's taste.
Another non-negotiable when choosing sandwich paper is heat resistance. If you're packaging burgers or other hot food, your sandwich wrap paper must be able to withstand and retain warmth. Otherwise, you risk the paper melting and sticking to your customer’s meal.
Another factor to consider is customizability. At noissue, we offer food-grade, fully customizable food wrapping paper. That means letting your brand be the star of the show by choosing your own designs, colors, and logos to be printed. It's a great way to make your packaging more unique and personal.
You might also have specific size requirements for your business. If so, make sure to choose a sandwich wrap paper that you can customize to your specific needs.
It’s important to lead by example and not create excess waste in the hospitality industry that you pass on to customers. Consider choosing an environmentally responsible sandwich wrap paper that can be recycled or composted, like noissue’s, which are printed on paper sourced from FSC-certified forests and with water-based inks.
Finally, you want to make sure that your sandwich wrap paper is safe. Make sure to choose a foodsafe paper that is free of harmful chemicals. These can contaminate your food and be dangerous for your customers.
Wondering what to wrap sandwiches in? Let’s take a look at some of the best paper options on the market.
noissue's Food Wrapping Paper is made of uncoated paper, which doesn't have a shiny or coated finish. With the fibers of the paper left exposed, it is more breathable and less likely to cause condensation. This makes it ideal for wrapping hot food items. It’s also sustainable as it doesn’t have a plastic coating, making it a good choice for eco-friendly businesses.
Coated kraft paper is made of thick paper that is coated with a layer of wax or plastic. You've probably seen this type of paper used to package metal or glass items.
Coated kraft paper is a good option for food businesses because it is grease-resistant and moisture-resistant. It's also very sturdy, making it great for packaging heavier food items like burgers or fried chicken.
Like Kraft paper, butcher paper is a type of packing paper often used in butcher shops to wrap meat. The difference is that it's uncoated and has been engineered to absorb blood and other liquids, making it perfect for packaging raw meat.
Butcher paper is a good option for food businesses that need the sturdiness and grease resistance of Kraft paper but with the added absorbency of uncoated paper. Check out noissue’s Custom Butcher Paper Roll.
Wax paper is made of thin paper that is coated with a layer of wax. It's often used in candy making or to wrap delicate baked goods like cookies or doughnuts. Its main appeal is its moisture-resistant properties.
Wax paper is a good option for food businesses because it is grease-resistant and moisture-resistant. However, it's important to note that wax paper is not heat-resistant. So, if you're packaging hot food items, you'll want to choose another option.
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Check out our Custom Food Wrapping Paper. Remember, everything is fully customizable, sustainable and safe. Enjoy quality packaging that is truly unique to your brand.
Looking for more? Our food basket liners and deli paper are perfect for your packaging needs.
We also offer low minimums and fast turnaround times so that you can receive your goods in the most convenient timeframes possible. Order online now.
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