Abrasive Grains 101 | Preface

This guide is intended as a non-technical introduction to the types of abrasives commonly manufactured and sold, both to industry for further processing and directly to the end user. It is hoped it will be useful as an introduction for the novice, a ready reference for the experienced user, and a source of broader information for those who are familiar with only a part of the information provided. Obviously, materials scientists have spent entire careers studying different aspects of abrasives, and only the most commonly used of these areas can be briefly touched on here.

It is anticipated that this guide will be included on the United Abrasives Manufacturers Association (UAMA) web-site, and key topics here will be linked to more in-depth discussions elsewhere on the site or elsewhere on-line. This guide includes a glossary of terms commonly used. When mentioned in the text, these terms will appear in italics.

The Standards Committee is tasked with reviewing and updating national standards relating to abrasive grain. They also serve as the industry link to bodies such as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) which develop and issue standards in which the abrasives industry is a stakeholder, such as ASTM Specification E-11, which governs the manufacture and classification of test sieves. Additionally, the committee maintains a supply of "standard sands" (see below), which are used to verify particle size measurement equipment. Finally, the committee maintains ties to partner companies in various industries, such as sieve manufacturers, manufacturers of various types of testing equipment (such as magnetic analyzers), and manufacturers of particle size measurement equipment, to help member companies keep up with new technology and methods of particle characterization.