Experienced welders and metal workers know that pre-fabrication surface prep and post-fabrication cleanup are essential for turning out products that they can be proud of. Aesthetics don’t always matter, but a project that starts with clean mating surfaces and ends with uniform joint beads bears all the traits of a professional, well-laid seam that’s possibly stronger than its base metals.
Abrasive sanding is the most effective way to remove bead-ruining rust, mill scale, and protective coatings from metal surfaces that are being joined with heat. It’s also the best way to clean up melt pools and remove unattractive spatter from mating surfaces after they’ve been joined.
The fact is, aside from welding rods, welders probably use abrasives more often than any other consumable. They’re engineered to be used with any grade or type of metal; and ideally, they’re capable of working with the standard selection of rotary tools that welders and fabricators already have.
Perform Proper Pre- and Post-Welding Prep with High-Quality Abrasive Discs and Belts
Let’s be honest: attempting to weld, braze, or solder along dirty mating surfaces can lead to major joining problems. These surfaces have to be cleaned before they’re joined, and abrasive sanding discs and file belts are perfect for removing oxidation, paint, or metal burrs that could lead to weakened or compromised joints.
Ordinary sanding blocks and wire brushes don’t have the strength to clear away joint-ruining contaminants or surface imperfections the way high-speed abrasive discs can, nor can they blend or clean up finished seams once a joint is made. The versatility and convenience of a sanding disc makes it the perfect choice for a full range of pre- and post-fabrication activities such as:
- Stripping, chamfering and beveling mating edges;
- Cutting and shaping fitting grooves; and,
- Eliminating pits and excess melted filler from finished works.
The fact is, when it comes to prepping working pieces for welding or brazing, or for removing surface flaws afterwards, abrasive sanding wheels are the best choice for the job. They’re especially preferred over hardened cutting and grinding wheels which, when used too aggressively, will quickly result in material losses that can compromise mating surfaces as well as warping surrounding areas.
Composition and Qualities of Premium Sanding Discs
Premium grade electrostatically oriented ceramic grit and aluminium oxide are the overwhelming preference when it comes to consumables, and they’re resin bonded to a range of heavy-duty fibre backings and substrates to produce a range of products that include:
- Heavy duty round sanding discs in 50mm, 75mm, 100mm, 125mm, and 150mm diameters;
- Polyester-backed abrasive belts in 10mm and 20mm widths, and lengths up to 330mm; and,
- Durable spiral aluminium oxide sanding drums in 38mm x 25mm bands.
While each of these abrasive solutions is designed to be used with a different type of powered tool, they all share a common core of performance traits that include:
- Superior heat resistance. Modern abrasive compositions are engineered to operate at cooler temperatures than ever, ensuring that they not only last longer, but are also less prone to transferring heat back to the working piece.
- High-speed suitability. From slow-turning linishing belts to fast-spinning sanding discs, the resin-based adhesives used with today’s metalworking abrasives are formulated to resist separation regardless of the speed or pressure they’re used at.
- Quality coatings. With their closely coated and fully abraded backings, ceramic sanding discs simultaneously boast the most aggressive profile while still being able to provide the most consistent finish.
No matter if you’re welding carbon steel, stainless steel, or softer metals like aluminium, bronze, or copper, an abrasive sanding wheel or belt is the best accessory for surface prep, that won’t damage your tools or working piece. Everything comes down to the grade and quality of the abrasive grit it uses though, and it’s no surprise that advancements in manufacturing technologies are responsible for some of the most flexible-use synthetic abrasives ever produced.
Recognizing the Difference Between Synthetic Abrasive Grit Grades
Today’s synthetic abrasives are among the most effective, and longest-life abrasives ever manufactured. They allow fabricators to make aggressive, but consistent cuts when applying either moderate or high pressure, and are available in the following grit ranges:
- 36 grit (extra coarse grain). This 530 – 1815µm (micrometre diameter) grit is the coarsest and most aggressive abrasive and is ideal for the heavy-duty metal sanding disc tools used for steel prep and deburring.
- 40 grit (coarse grain). At 336 – 425µm, this moderately aggressive grit is particularly effective with abrasive sanding wheel tools for clearing away mill scale, primer, or paint.
- 50 grit (coarse grain). This is also a 336 – 425µm grit but is better suited for removing lighter surface coatings, or pit marks and scratches.
- 60 grit and 80 grit (medium grain). At 190 – 265µm, this is an excellent general-purpose grit for evening and levelling surfaces, as well as smoothing welding seams and joints.
- 120 grit (fine grain). With its 115 – 162µm diameter, this grit is optimal for post-fabrication cleanup, slag and defect removal, and final polishing.
The long life characteristics of ceramic abrasives are especially appealing when used on sanding discs for angle grinders, or dremel-type fabricating tools. The continuous fracture rates of ceramics help to preserve their sharp cutting points, while also preventing them from overheating or wearing out quickly.
The Final Word
At the end of the day, mating surface preparation is one of the most crucial parts of the entire metal joining process. Failing to do it correctly can have costly, as well as catastrophic consequences; that means the choice of sanding abrasives can’t be left to chance.
Every welding, brazing, and soldering job needs to start and finish with the best abrasive sanding discs and file belts available. The strength and quality of each joint depend on it, and the aesthetic will speak for itself.
