- Sign-up
-
- ex VAT
- inc VAT
Categories
Manufacturer
A Comprehensive Guide to Abrasives 2025: Types, Uses, and Applications for Welding and Metalworking
Abrasives are one of the most important pieces in metalworking and welding, playing a crucial role in shaping, finishing, and preparing materials. Whether you're cutting, grinding, sanding, or polishing, selecting the right abrasive is essential for achieving optimal results.
Abrasives are materials designed to remove material from a workpiece through friction. This process can range from rough shaping to fine polishing.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the various types of abrasives, their uses, and applications within the welding and metalworking industries.
At Engweld, we offer a wide range of high-quality abrasives to meet all your metalworking requirements. Browse our selection of cutting discs, grinding discs, sanding belts, and more.
What Are Abrasives?
An abrasive is a material that is used to shape or finish a workpiece. There are hard materials, often mineral, that are rubbed against the piece to grind, polish or clean it, which leads to a part of the workpiece to be worn away.
The abrasiveness of these materials are measured by grit size which determines their coarseness. It is measured using a numbering system. The higher the number is, the finer the abrasive is going to be and vice versa.
Here is a simple breakdown of the grit size system:
| Grit Range | Coarseness | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| 16-24 | Very Coarse | Heavy stock removal, rust removal, rough shaping |
| 30-60 | Coarse | Stock removal, weld grinding, paint stripping |
| 80-120 | Medium | Surface preparation, blending, light stock removal |
| 150-240 | Fine | Fine sanding, surface finishing, paint preparation |
There are important differences when choosing an abrasive that you need to bear in mind such as the type of abrasive grains. Depending on the type of project you are working on, some type are more suitable for certain materials:
- Aluminum Oxide abrasives are used for general-purpose metalworking.
- Silicon Carbide abrasives are used for non-ferrous metals and masonry.
- Zirconia Alumina are usually Known for their durability and aggressive cutting action.
- Ceramic Aluminum Oxides are known for their exceptional performance and longevity.
- Diamond cutting discs are the ones suitable for extremely hard materials like stone and concrete.
These different types of abrasives can be natural or synthetic but both types are used in a variety of processes.
Types of Abrasives and Applications
As mentioned before, there are lots of different types of abrasives that can be used in different contexts. Here is a breakdown of the different types of abrasives you can find in the commerce and their abilities to different types of works:
Cutting Discs
Cutting discs are designed for fast and efficient cutting of various metals, including steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. They are engineered to minimise heat buildup and provide clean, precise cuts.
When choosing a cutting disc, consider the material you'll be cutting, the thickness of the material, and the required cutting speed. For stainless steel, dedicated stainless steel cutting discs are recommended to prevent contamination and ensure a clean finish.
Depending on your type of project and the material you’ll need to cut, you’ll sometimes need to choose between diamond cutting discs or Metal Cut-Off Discs for instance.
Our selection of cutting discs:
In Stock
£0.95
EX
VAT
£1.14
INC
VAT
£0.95
EX
VAT
£1.14
INC
VAT
In Stock
£1.04
EX
VAT
£1.25
INC
VAT
£1.04
EX
VAT
£1.25
INC
VAT
In Stock
£1.50
EX
VAT
£1.80
INC
VAT
£1.50
EX
VAT
£1.80
INC
VAT
In Stock
Was £3.74
Save £0.75
Was £4.49
Save £0.90
£2.99
EX
VAT
£3.59
INC
VAT
Was £3.74
Save £0.75
Was £4.49
Save £0.90
£2.99
EX
VAT
£3.59
INC
VAT
Our selection of Diamond Cutting Discs:
In Stock
£32.57
EX
VAT
£39.08
INC
VAT
£32.57
EX
VAT
£39.08
INC
VAT
£36.28
EX
VAT
£43.54
INC
VAT
£36.28
EX
VAT
£43.54
INC
VAT
In Stock
In Stock
£9.09
EX
VAT
£10.91
INC
VAT
£9.09
EX
VAT
£10.91
INC
VAT
Our selection of Metal Cut-Off Discs:
In Stock
£3.38
EX
VAT
£4.06
INC
VAT
£3.38
EX
VAT
£4.06
INC
VAT
In Stock
£11.83
EX
VAT
£14.20
INC
VAT
£11.83
EX
VAT
£14.20
INC
VAT
In Stock
£5.90
EX
VAT
£7.08
INC
VAT
£5.90
EX
VAT
£7.08
INC
VAT
In Stock
In Stock
£8.09
EX
VAT
£9.71
INC
VAT
£8.09
EX
VAT
£9.71
INC
VAT
Grinding Discs
Grinding discs are essential for removing weld seams, deburring sharp edges, and shaping metal surfaces. Their robust construction allows for aggressive material removal, making them ideal for heavy-duty applications.
Choose a grinding disc based on the type of metal you're working with and the desired finish. For example, zirconia alumina discs are excellent for aggressive grinding on steel, while aluminum oxide discs are suitable for general-purpose grinding.
To help you in your purchase, we’ve answered the Frequently Asked Questions around Grinding Discs and created a buying guide for our grinding discs range.
Our selection of Grinding Discs:
In Stock
£1.47
EX
VAT
£1.76
INC
VAT
£1.47
EX
VAT
£1.76
INC
VAT
In Stock
£1.55
EX
VAT
£1.86
INC
VAT
£1.55
EX
VAT
£1.86
INC
VAT
In Stock
£1.68
EX
VAT
£2.02
INC
VAT
£1.68
EX
VAT
£2.02
INC
VAT
In Stock
Was £7.14
Save £1.43
Was £8.57
Save £1.72
£5.71
EX
VAT
£6.85
INC
VAT
Was £7.14
Save £1.43
Was £8.57
Save £1.72
£5.71
EX
VAT
£6.85
INC
VAT
Slitting Discs
Slitting discs are thin cutting discs (around 1 mm) designed for precision cutting of thin metal sheets, profiles, and tubes. Their thin profile minimizes material waste and heat generation, ensuring clean and accurate cuts. They are commonly used in fabrication shops and for intricate metalworking tasks.
Our selection of Slitting Discs:
In Stock
Was £1.09
Save £0.03
Was £1.31
Save £0.04
£1.06
EX
VAT
£1.27
INC
VAT
Was £1.09
Save £0.03
Was £1.31
Save £0.04
£1.06
EX
VAT
£1.27
INC
VAT
In Stock
£2.47
EX
VAT
£2.96
INC
VAT
£2.47
EX
VAT
£2.96
INC
VAT
In Stock
£0.85
EX
VAT
£1.02
INC
VAT
£0.85
EX
VAT
£1.02
INC
VAT
In Stock
Was £3.12
Save £0.62
Was £3.74
Save £0.74
£2.50
EX
VAT
£3.00
INC
VAT
Was £3.12
Save £0.62
Was £3.74
Save £0.74
£2.50
EX
VAT
£3.00
INC
VAT
Fibre Discs
Fibre discs are designed for aggressive grinding and stock removal, offering robust performance for challenging metalworking tasks. The choice of abrasive grain significantly impacts their effectiveness, so understanding the differences is crucial:
- Aloxite (Aluminum Oxide) Fibre Discs: Ideal for general-purpose grinding on mild steel and non-ferrous metals. Cost-effective and suitable for blending and deburring.
- Zirconia Fibre Discs: For demanding applications on steel and stainless steel. Offers enhanced durability and cutting performance for heavy stock removal and weld removal.
- Ceramic Fibre Discs: Premium choice for the most challenging tasks on hard metals like stainless and high-alloy steels. Superior cutting speed, heat resistance, and lifespan.
Backing Pads are essential for support and control. Choose rigid pads for aggressive grinding and flexible pads for contour work. They ensure even pressure and maximize disc performance.
Our selection of Aloxite (Aluminum Oxide) Fibre Discs:
In Stock
£0.49
EX
VAT
£0.59
INC
VAT
£0.49
EX
VAT
£0.59
INC
VAT
In Stock
In Stock
Was £1.13
Save £0.23
Was £1.36
Save £0.28
£0.90
EX
VAT
£1.08
INC
VAT
Was £1.13
Save £0.23
Was £1.36
Save £0.28
£0.90
EX
VAT
£1.08
INC
VAT
In Stock
£1.66
EX
VAT
£1.99
INC
VAT
£1.66
EX
VAT
£1.99
INC
VAT
In Stock
£0.41
EX
VAT
£0.49
INC
VAT
£0.41
EX
VAT
£0.49
INC
VAT
Our selection of Zirconia Fibre Discs:
In Stock
In Stock
£0.78
EX
VAT
£0.94
INC
VAT
£0.78
EX
VAT
£0.94
INC
VAT
In Stock
In Stock
£0.58
EX
VAT
£0.70
INC
VAT
£0.58
EX
VAT
£0.70
INC
VAT
In Stock
In Stock
£1.01
EX
VAT
£1.21
INC
VAT
£1.01
EX
VAT
£1.21
INC
VAT
Our selection of Ceramic Fibre Discs:
In Stock
£1.43
EX
VAT
£1.72
INC
VAT
£1.43
EX
VAT
£1.72
INC
VAT
In Stock
Was £2.46
Save £0.49
Was £2.95
Save £0.59
£1.97
EX
VAT
£2.36
INC
VAT
Was £2.46
Save £0.49
Was £2.95
Save £0.59
£1.97
EX
VAT
£2.36
INC
VAT
In Stock
Was £2.61
Save £0.52
Was £3.13
Save £0.62
£2.09
EX
VAT
£2.51
INC
VAT
Was £2.61
Save £0.52
Was £3.13
Save £0.62
£2.09
EX
VAT
£2.51
INC
VAT
In Stock
£1.10
EX
VAT
£1.32
INC
VAT
£1.10
EX
VAT
£1.32
INC
VAT
Our selection of Backing Pads:
In Stock
£9.26
EX
VAT
£11.11
INC
VAT
£9.26
EX
VAT
£11.11
INC
VAT
In Stock
In Stock
£8.57
EX
VAT
£10.28
INC
VAT
£8.57
EX
VAT
£10.28
INC
VAT
In Stock
In Stock
Was £15.87
Save £3.17
Was £19.04
Save £3.80
£12.70
EX
VAT
£15.24
INC
VAT
Was £15.87
Save £3.17
Was £19.04
Save £3.80
£12.70
EX
VAT
£15.24
INC
VAT
In Stock
In Stock
Was £16.48
Save £3.30
Was £19.78
Save £3.96
£13.18
EX
VAT
£15.82
INC
VAT
Was £16.48
Save £3.30
Was £19.78
Save £3.96
£13.18
EX
VAT
£15.82
INC
VAT
Flap Discs
Flap discs combine the benefits of grinding and finishing in a single disc. Their overlapping flaps provide a smooth and consistent finish while also allowing for aggressive material removal.
To help you choose your next Flap Disc we’ve created a comprehensive flap disc guide which digs into all the parameters you need to bear in mind when choosing your next disc.
Our selection of Flap Discs:
In Stock
In Stock
£2.30
EX
VAT
£2.76
INC
VAT
£2.30
EX
VAT
£2.76
INC
VAT
In Stock
In Stock
£2.45
EX
VAT
£2.94
INC
VAT
£2.45
EX
VAT
£2.94
INC
VAT
In Stock
£2.86
EX
VAT
£3.43
INC
VAT
£2.86
EX
VAT
£3.43
INC
VAT
In Stock
£2.69
EX
VAT
£3.23
INC
VAT
£2.69
EX
VAT
£3.23
INC
VAT
Abrasive Belts – Sanding Belts
Abrasive belts or Sanding belts are used for sanding and shaping large surfaces, providing efficient material removal and a consistent finish. Belt Sander Papers are available in various grits and materials to suit different applications, from rough stock removal to fine finishing.
They are used with belt sanders for woodworking, metalworking, and other surface preparation tasks.
Our selection of Abrasive Belts:
In Stock
£2.25
EX
VAT
£2.70
INC
VAT
£2.25
EX
VAT
£2.70
INC
VAT
In Stock
In Stock
£0.91
EX
VAT
£1.09
INC
VAT
£0.91
EX
VAT
£1.09
INC
VAT
Free Delivery
Free Delivery
£89.75
EX
VAT
£107.70
INC
VAT
£89.75
EX
VAT
£107.70
INC
VAT
In Stock
£6.97
EX
VAT
£8.36
INC
VAT
£6.97
EX
VAT
£8.36
INC
VAT
Abrasive Rolls – Sanding Roll
Abrasive rolls also known as Sanding Rolls offer versatility for both hand sanding and machine applications. They can be cut to the desired length, making them ideal for various projects.
Our selection of Abrasive Rolls:
In Stock
£22.06
EX
VAT
£26.47
INC
VAT
£22.06
EX
VAT
£26.47
INC
VAT
In Stock
£26.96
EX
VAT
£32.35
INC
VAT
£26.96
EX
VAT
£32.35
INC
VAT
In Stock
£20.43
EX
VAT
£24.52
INC
VAT
£20.43
EX
VAT
£24.52
INC
VAT
Was £23.13
Save £4.63
Was £27.76
Save £5.56
£18.50
EX
VAT
£22.20
INC
VAT
Was £23.13
Save £4.63
Was £27.76
Save £5.56
£18.50
EX
VAT
£22.20
INC
VAT
Abrasive Sheets, Emery Cloth and Velcro Discs
Abrasive sheets are used for fine finishing and hand sanding, providing precise control and a smooth finish. Emery cloth is known for its durability and is often used for metalworking, while velcro discs offer easy attachment and removal for power tools.
Our selection of Abrasive Rolls:
In Stock
Was £5.38
Save £1.08
Was £6.46
Save £1.30
£4.30
EX
VAT
£5.16
INC
VAT
Was £5.38
Save £1.08
Was £6.46
Save £1.30
£4.30
EX
VAT
£5.16
INC
VAT
Was £26.75
Save £5.35
Was £32.10
Save £6.42
£21.40
EX
VAT
£25.68
INC
VAT
Was £26.75
Save £5.35
Was £32.10
Save £6.42
£21.40
EX
VAT
£25.68
INC
VAT
Was £25.21
Save £5.04
Was £30.25
Save £6.05
£20.17
EX
VAT
£24.20
INC
VAT
Was £25.21
Save £5.04
Was £30.25
Save £6.05
£20.17
EX
VAT
£24.20
INC
VAT
Was £25.21
Save £5.04
Was £30.25
Save £6.05
£20.17
EX
VAT
£24.20
INC
VAT
Was £25.21
Save £5.04
Was £30.25
Save £6.05
£20.17
EX
VAT
£24.20
INC
VAT
Non-Woven Abrasives
Non-woven abrasives are used for cleaning, blending, and finishing surfaces. They offer a consistent finish and are ideal for removing light rust, oxides, and other contaminants.
Our selection of Non-Woven Abrasives:
In Stock
£0.88
EX
VAT
£1.06
INC
VAT
£0.88
EX
VAT
£1.06
INC
VAT
In Stock
£6.31
EX
VAT
£7.57
INC
VAT
£6.31
EX
VAT
£7.57
INC
VAT
Free Delivery
In Stock
Free Delivery
In Stock
£78.42
EX
VAT
£94.10
INC
VAT
£78.42
EX
VAT
£94.10
INC
VAT
In Stock
Was £12.67
Save £2.53
Was £15.20
Save £3.03
£10.14
EX
VAT
£12.17
INC
VAT
Was £12.67
Save £2.53
Was £15.20
Save £3.03
£10.14
EX
VAT
£12.17
INC
VAT
Flap Wheels
Flap wheels are used for contour sanding and finishing, providing a smooth and consistent finish on irregular surfaces. They are commonly used for deburring, blending, and surface preparation.
Our selection of Flap Wheels:
In Stock
In Stock
£2.32
EX
VAT
£2.78
INC
VAT
£2.32
EX
VAT
£2.78
INC
VAT
In Stock
In Stock
£4.29
EX
VAT
£5.15
INC
VAT
£4.29
EX
VAT
£5.15
INC
VAT
In Stock
£20.34
EX
VAT
£24.41
INC
VAT
£20.34
EX
VAT
£24.41
INC
VAT
In Stock
£3.05
EX
VAT
£3.66
INC
VAT
£3.05
EX
VAT
£3.66
INC
VAT
Quick Change Discs
Quick change discs, also known as roloc discs, are designed for rapid disc changes, maximising efficiency and productivity. Their quick-lock mechanism allows for fast and easy disc replacement, making them ideal for applications that require frequent grit changes. They are commonly used with angle grinders and die grinders for surface preparation, blending, and finishing.
Our selection of Quick Change Discs:
Free Delivery
In Stock
Free Delivery
In Stock
£62.77
EX
VAT
£75.32
INC
VAT
£62.77
EX
VAT
£75.32
INC
VAT
Spirabands
Spirabands are designed for internal grinding and polishing of pipes and tubes. Their flexible design allows them to conform to the shape of the workpiece, providing a consistent finish.
Our selection of Spirabands:
In Stock
In Stock
£17.79
EX
VAT
£21.35
INC
VAT
£17.79
EX
VAT
£21.35
INC
VAT
In Stock
In Stock
£0.48
EX
VAT
£0.58
INC
VAT
£0.48
EX
VAT
£0.58
INC
VAT
Abrasive Wheels
Abrasive wheels encompass a wide range of bonded abrasive products, including grinding wheels, cutting wheels, and sharpening wheels. They are used for various applications, from heavy-duty grinding and cutting to precision sharpening. The type of abrasive wheel you choose will depend on the material you're working with and the desired outcome.
To sum up all the types of abrasives you can find on Engweld, here are a breakdown table:
| Disc Type | Primary use for | Material Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting Discs | Precise metal cutting, fabrication, construction | Steel, stainless steel, aluminum, various metals |
| Grinding Discs | Weld grinding, deburring, heavy-duty metalworking | Steel, stainless steel, cast iron, various metals |
| Slitting Discs | Intricate metalworking, fabrication of thin materials | Thin metal sheets, profiles, tubes |
| Fibre Discs | Heavy stock removal, rust removal, surface preparation | Steel, stainless steel, heavy coatings, rust, scale |
| Flap Discs | Blending welds, deburring, surface finishing | Various metals, weld blending, surface finishing |
| Quick Change Discs | Rapid grit changes, surface preparation, blending, finishing | Various metals, surface preparation, blending, finishing |
| Abrasive Wheels | General purpose grinding, cutting, sharpening | Various metals, sharpening tools, general purpose |
Applications of Abrasives
Abrasives products can be used in many situations. Whether you are a hobby welder who wants to improve finished welding work or an industrial worker who wants to find the best products for their projects, abrasives are a must have. Here are some context where abrasives products can be used:
Welding Preparation
Before beginning your welding project you’ll need to remove rust, scale, and contaminants. This part of the welding process is surely one of the most important, it will allow you to avoid any issues while welding that can lead to poor weld.
Abrasives are also used after your welding process to clean your pieces. If you want to have the most aesthetically pleasing weld that will last over time, polishing your weld is going to be mandatory.
Metal Fabrication
During a metal fabrication process, the abrasives are going to be a central point for various actions such as cutting, shaping and finishing the metal components. Your angle grinder and its abrasives disc are going to be the cornerstone of your next metal fabrication project
Automotive Repair
Abrasives are also used in the automotive repair industry. From removing the paint and the rust to working on the body reparation, abrasives are playing an important role in the automotive industry.
Construction
In the construction industry, abrasives are also used on a common basis. Most especially to cut and shape in masonry and concrete works. It’s also used to prepare surfaces for painting or coating.
Woodworking
While sanding, finishing and polishing the wooden surface, be sure to use the proper abrasive products.
Choosing the Right Abrasive
Choosing the right abrasive products can be very difficult, there are lots of parameters to bear in mind. Most of them are directly related to the type of material you are going to use and the type of work you want to do. Here are the main point you need to consider when choosing your abrasive product:
Material
Different abrasives are suited for various materials. For example, aluminum oxide is ideal for steel, while silicon carbide is better for non-ferrous metals and masonry.
Task
Determine the specific task you need to accomplish. Is it cutting, grinding, sanding, or polishing? Each task requires a different type of abrasive.
Grit Size
Select the appropriate grit size based on the desired finish. Coarse grits (lower numbers) are used for stock removal, while fine grits (higher numbers) are used for finishing.
Abrasive Type
Choose the right abrasive type, such as discs, belts, sheets, or wheels, based on your application and equipment.
Equipment Compatibility
Ensure the abrasive you select is compatible with your tools, such as angle grinders, belt sanders, or die grinders.
Safety Considerations
Safety is paramount when working with abrasives. Always wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect yourself from flying debris, sparks, and dust. This includes:
- Welding Masks and Helmets: Protect your eyes and face with high-quality welding masks and helmets.
- Welding Gloves: Shield your hands from heat and sparks with durable welding gloves.
- Workwear: Wear appropriate workwear to protect your body from sparks and debris.
- Eye protection: Safety glasses or goggles are essential for all abrasive work.
- Hearing protection: Use earplugs or earmuffs to protect your hearing from loud noise.
- Respiratory protection: Wear a dust mask or respirator to prevent inhaling harmful dust particles.
Manufacturer Reputation
Choose abrasives from reputable manufacturers known for quality and consistency. At Engweld we are committed to provide the highest quality of abrasives, with OSA-approval standards.
We have selected the brands with the best product quality such as 3M, Klingspor or Abracs.
Maintaining and Storing Abrasives
Proper maintenance and storage of abrasives are essential for maximizing their lifespan, ensuring consistent performance, and maintaining safety. Here’s how to keep your abrasives in top condition:
Proper Storage
Store abrasives in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Humidity and temperature fluctuations can degrade abrasive grains and bonding agents, reducing their effectiveness. Keep abrasives in their original packaging or in designated storage containers to protect them from dust, moisture, and physical damage.
Organize abrasives by type and grit size for easy access and to prevent cross-contamination. This will save you time and ensure you're using the correct abrasive for each task.
Regular Inspection
Before each use, inspect abrasives for any signs of damage or wear, such as cracks, chips, or tears. Damaged abrasives can be dangerous and may not perform as intended. Discard any damaged abrasives immediately to prevent accidents and ensure optimal performance.
For bonded abrasives like grinding wheels and cutting discs, check for signs of imbalance or excessive wear. Imbalanced wheels can cause vibrations and lead to premature failure.
Cleaning
Keep abrasives clean by removing debris, dust, and metal particles after each use. A clean abrasive will perform more efficiently and last longer. Use a brush or compressed air to remove loose particles.
For coated abrasives like sanding belts and discs, remove any buildup of material that can clog the abrasive surface. This will prevent premature wear and maintain a consistent finish. Abrasive cleaning sticks or blocks can be used to clean these surfaces.
Handling
Handle abrasives with care to prevent damage. Avoid dropping or bumping them against hard surfaces. Rough handling can cause cracks and chips, rendering them unusable.
When changing abrasive discs or wheels, ensure they are properly mounted and secured according to the manufacturer's instructions. Incorrect mounting can lead to accidents and damage to the equipment.
Rotation
If you have a large inventory of abrasives, rotate your stock to ensure that older abrasives are used first. This will prevent them from deteriorating over time.
Disposal
Dispose of used abrasives properly according to local regulations. Some abrasives may contain hazardous materials, so it’s important to follow the correct disposal procedures.
By following these maintenance and storage tips, you can extend the life of your abrasives, maintain their performance, and ensure a safer working environment.
Abrasives empower you to shape, finish, and prepare materials with precision and efficiency. By prioritising safety and understanding the nuances of grit sizes, abrasive types, and proper maintenance, you can maximise the performance and lifespan of your abrasives.
Whether you're tackling heavy-duty grinding or delicate finishing, Engweld offers the tools and expertise you need. Browse our selection of abrasives and remember to prioritise safety with the right PPE. We're here to support you in achieving professional results.