Technical Glossary
Master the technical language of the abrasive industry. This glossary provides engineering-grade definitions for the most critical terms used in testing and performance evaluation.
Abrasive
A material, often mineral or ceramic, used for grinding, polishing, or blasting to remove surface material.
Angularity
A measure of the sharpness of the edges of an abrasive grain. Highly angular grains cut faster but break down more quickly.
Bulk Density
The weight of a unit volume of loose abrasive, including the voids between grains.
Embedment
The undesirable presence of abrasive particles stuck in the substrate after finishing.
FEPA
Federation of European Producers of Abrasives. Defines standard grit sizes for bonded and coated abrasives.
Friability
The tendency of an abrasive grain to fracture under impact, revealing new sharp edges.
Grit Size
The size of the abrasive particles, usually determined by the number of mesh openings per linear inch of a sieve.
Hardness
The resistance of a material to penetration or scratching, typically measured on the Vickers or Knoop scale.
Micron (µm)
One-millionth of a meter. The standard unit for measuring fine abrasive grains and surface roughness.
Profilometer
An instrument used to measure the surface roughness (Ra, Rz, etc.) of a substrate.
Ra
The arithmetical mean deviation of the assessed surface profile. The most common roughness parameter.
Self-Sharpening
The process by which a friable abrasive fractures to maintain sharp cutting edges during use.
Sieve Analysis
A mechanical method of determining the particle size distribution of a sample using wire-mesh screens.
Specific Gravity
The ratio of the density of a substance to the density of a reference substance (usually water).
Substrate
The material being worked on by the abrasive (e.g., steel, aluminum, glass).