ABRASIVES
SANDING BELT
For aggressive grinding of cast iron and steel, the most effective abrasives are ceramic sanding belts, known for their high stock removal capacity, long lifespan, and excellent heat resistance. Zirconia belts are also widely used, offering good performance and durability at a lower cost for medium-duty applications.
For aluminum, which is softer and tends to load the abrasive, the best options are silicon carbide sanding belts or open-coat zirconia. These abrasives reduce clogging and provide a cooler, cleaner cut. Dust extraction or lubrication is highly recommended.
Recommended grit sizes
-
Iron & Steel:
-
#16–24: Heavy stock removal
-
#30–36: Standard deburring
-
#46: Surface preparation with less aggression
-
-
Aluminum:
-
#60–80: Light deburring and controlled material removal
-
#100–150: Finer finishing or pre-anodizing preparation
-
#Avoid very coarse grits (36–46) to prevent deep scratches and loading
-
Ceramic abrasives are highly recommended for continuous or automated operations, delivering consistent performance and extended tool life across all materials.
GRINDING WHEELS
Resinoid-bonded grinding wheels (also called organic wheels) are ideal for high-performance grinding of cast iron and steel components. These wheels are made with a synthetic resin bond that allows for higher cutting speed, better shock absorption, and cooler grinding.
They are especially effective in applications where flexibility, aggressive material removal, and reduced risk of wheel fracture are critical.
Advantages
-
High removal rates with minimal vibration
-
Greater elasticity compared to vitrified wheels
-
Safer in manual and high-speed operations
-
Suitable for heavy-duty grinding of gates, risers, and parting lines
Recommended Grit Sizes
-
16–24: Heavy stock removal
-
30–36: General-purpose deburring
-
46: Moderate surface smoothing
For best performance, use with machines equipped with proper guarding and dust extraction.
Rebel provides top-tier grinding equipment and industrial exhaust systems, engineered for both safety and productivity in foundry environments.