Choosing abrasives
is like choosing a machine—you have quite a few choices.
The first choice is whether to use a belt or a brush. Belts generally are used for graining, whereas brushes generally are used for deburring. However, these are just guidelines. In some cases, these roles are reversed. If using a brush, your next choice is its composition: Brushes are available in steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and Scotch-Brite®.
Determining the correct amount of pressure probably is more objective than many would expect. It's a matter of measuring motor load when the machine is running parts. This is done by measuring the amperage draw of each motor or determining horsepower per inch of the workpiece.
The abrasive speed and conveyor speed are two other factors that determine the quality of the edge or finish. Their combined speeds make up the abrasive dwell time, or the amount of time the abrasive has to do its job.
—Information provided by 3M