For fine and rough surface treatment, sandpaper is often used. Types of material have separate technical characteristics, different grain sizes, types of abrasive used.
What is the material?
An elastic abrasive on a paper or fabric basis, the working surface of which is covered with a granular powder layer, is sandpaper. Types of this material are used in the processing of wood, metal, plastic, glass, and other common materials.
Development history
According to documented information, sandpaper was first used by Chinese craftsmen in the 13th century. A sandpaper was made by fixing a mixture of sand, crushed seeds of plants and shells using starch glue on a rough leather base. Often fine particles of broken glass were used as an abrasive for rough processing.
The first serial production of sandpaper was carried out in 1833, when a patent for the production of new products was granted to an American entrepreneur Isaac Fisher from the town of Springfield (Vermont).
In parallel with the development of technology, sandpaper was also improved. Since the beginning of the 20th century, active developments have been carried out in Europe, during which the qualities of individual abrasive materials were investigated . Subsequently, the results of the work served as the basis for the invention of a moisture-resistant grinding skin. The specified type of sandpaper made a small revolution in the automotive industry. In particular, with its help, an opportunity has opened up for quick and thorough finishing of parts.
Application features
When processing surfaces using abrasive skins, some rules should be followed. In the course of work to correct defects, it is first rational to resort to using the coarsest skin. Coarse grit is suitable for roughing wood, removing obsolete paintwork, rust.
Fine sandpaper is used at the stage of fine grinding, polishing metal, painted surfaces. For cleaning plastic, an ideal option is a skin with minimal grain.
Today, craftsmen also have access to waterproof sandpaper, the use of which allows to avoid the occurrence of dust in the course of work. Thanks to wet grinding, the processed surfaces acquire the smoothest, most attractive texture.
Specifications
Among the defining technical characteristics of abrasive skins, the following are distinguished:
- Base material.
- Grit indices.
- The nature of production fundamentals that are used as grains.
Sandpaper - types
Grinding skins are divided into separate varieties, primarily according to the base on which the abrasive is applied. The most common is paper-based products. This solution is particularly cheap and worthy of resistance to wear. Most products of this plan are distinguished by water-repellent qualities, and also open the possibility for applying the smallest grains.
Fabric-based sandpaper has high wear resistance. Thanks to the use of specialized resins, moisture-resistant qualities can be given to it. In addition, the fabric backing makes the material extremely flexible.
Considering the question of what happens sandpaper (types of material), one cannot but note the combined products. Such grinding skins are distinguished by the advantages characteristic of both of the above options. Hence the high price of such products. As for the application, combined abrasives are able to withstand increased mechanical stress.
Grain
According to the grit indicators, the following sandpaper options are distinguished:
- Coarse-grained - used for basic, rough processing of materials, removal of contaminants, paints, corrosion effects. Grinding using abrasives of this category leaves quite deep, textured scratches on the surfaces.
- Medium-grained - used when necessary to perform intermediate processing of materials. Grinding pliable surfaces using such paper, for example, natural wood, allows you to align and smooth the plane.
- Fine-grained - it is an ideal tool for preparing materials for processing with paints and varnishes. Such a skin will easily remove minor scratches and minor defects from surfaces.
Type of abrasive
The following bases are used as abrasives in the manufacture of sandpaper:
- Pomegranate - is a material of natural origin, which is the optimal solution for the finishing of natural wood.
- Silicon carbide is the most durable abrasive. Skins coated with such grains are an indispensable tool for working on metal and plastic. Carbide abrasive is suitable for cleaning painted surfaces, polishing fiberglass.
- Ceramics - skins with such a coating are used at the stage of formation of the basic texture of wood, as well as in the elimination of severe defects. In other words, such sandpaper is used for rough work. Most often, you can find products of this plan in the form of looped sanding belts that are used for machine surface treatment.
- Alumina - characterized by a particularly fragile structure. When creating friction with surfaces, the abrasive forms new sharp edges. Therefore, skins of such a plan have a truly impressive service life. Such sandpaper is used mainly in the carpentry and the woodworking industry.
additional information
In addition to grit, the following additional information may appear on the sandpaper packaging:
- Appointment - for processing metal surfaces or more malleable materials of low hardness.
- Web parameters - length and width.
- The composition of the abrasive and its fraction.
- The nature of the adhesive used to fix the abrasive (synthetics, amber varnish, formaldehyde resin, combined bond).
- The level of wear resistance of the product.
Sandpaper - Price
How much does abrasive skin cost in the domestic market? The price of fine-grained paper-based products starts at about 30 rubles per linear meter. The cost of a more durable emery cloth on a fabric substrate ranges from 150-200 rubles per linear meter and varies depending on the fraction and type of abrasive used.
Finally
Compared to other grinding means, in particular metal brushes, grinding wheels, sandpaper is really cheap, affordable material for a wide consumer audience. Today, abrasive skin is available in the form of stripes, circles, sheets, ribbons. All this contributes to its operation in various fields of activity, the performance of work manually and using electric tools.