PACE Technologies' abrasive belts, rolls, and powders are designed to meet the rigorous demands of metallographic sample preparation. Available in silicon carbide, alumina, and zirconia variants, these consumables provide flexible, high-efficiency material removal across metals, ceramics, and composites.
Use belts for automated or semi-automated machines, rolls for manual or custom-cut applications, and powders for flexible integration with cloths or composite surfaces.
Silicon carbide is ideal for rapid stock removal with minimal deformation, especially on non-ferrous metals and ceramics. Consider alumina or zirconia for extended durability.
Begin with coarse grits for initial shaping, then transition to finer grits to minimize surface damage and prepare for polishing.
Abrasive belts, rolls, and powders from PACE Technologies offer versatile solutions for metallographic grinding across a wide range of materials. These silicon carbide (SiC)-based consumables provide sharp, fast-cutting performance ideal for routine material removal and surface conditioning. Rolls allow for custom sizes, belts are designed for automated systems, and powders are used with cloths or composite surfaces for maximum flexibility. Whether working with soft metals, ceramics, or composites, these abrasives are optimized to minimize surface deformation, improve workflow efficiency, and deliver reproducible results throughout the preparation process.
Select the appropriate abrasive and grit progression based on your material type and preparation objectives.
| Material | Objective | Recommended SiC Product Format |
|---|---|---|
| Soft non-ferrous metals (Aluminum, Brass, Zinc) | Minimize embedding & deformation | P240-P1200 grit SiC Belts or Rolls |
| Ferrous metals (Low carbon steel, Stainless steel) | Reduce deformation & prepare for polishing | P180-P600 grit SiC Belts or Rolls |
| Tool steels, case-hardened alloys | Planarize & minimize work hardening | P120-P320 grit SiC Belts or Rolls |
| Refractory metals (W, Mo, Ti) | Avoid smearing & surface damage | P320-P800 grit SiC Rolls or Loose Powder |
| Ceramics & minerals | Remove surface defects with minimal chipping | 240-400 grit SiC Belts; or 15-30µm SiC Powder |
| Composites (MMCs, PMCs) | Preserve matrix & minimize edge rounding | P240-P400 grit SiC Belts or Rolls |
Silicon Carbide abrasive belts are designed for efficient material removal and fine finishing in metallographic sample preparation. Featuring high-quality silicon carbide grains, these belts provide superior cutting performance and durability. Ideal for use with belt grinders and hand-held grinding equipment.
| Grit | Part Number | SKU | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | SIC-B60 | 1069361570002 | 4" x 36" | $130.00 |
| 80 | SIC-B80 | 1069361570026 | 4" x 36" | $130.00 |
| 120 | SIC-B120 | 1069361570040 | 4" x 36" | $130.00 |
| 180 | SIC-B180 | 1069361570064 | 4" x 36" | $130.00 |
| 240 | SIC-B240 | 1069361570088 | 4" x 36" | $130.00 |
Silicon Carbide grinding rolls provide effective material removal and surface preparation for metallographic samples. These rolls offer consistent performance and durability, ensuring smooth and precise finishes on a variety of materials. Each roll is 60 feet in length with a 3-7/16-inch diameter and 1-inch core, compatible with belt/roll grinding equipment.
| Grit | Part Number | Dimensions | Length | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 | SIC-120R-60 | 3-7/16" dia., 1" core | 60 ft | $90.00 |
| 240 | SIC-240R-60 | 3-7/16" dia., 1" core | 60 ft | $65.00 |
| 320 | SIC-320R-60 | 3-7/16" dia., 1" core | 60 ft | $65.00 |
| 360 | SIC-360R-60 | 3-7/16" dia., 1" core | 60 ft | $65.00 |
| 400 | SIC-400R-60 | 3-7/16" dia., 1" core | 60 ft | $65.00 |
| 600 | SIC-600R-60 | 3-7/16" dia., 1" core | 60 ft | $65.00 |
| 800 | SIC-800R-60 | 3-7/16" dia., 1" core | 60 ft | $95.00 |
| 1200 | SIC-1200R-60 | 3-7/16" dia., 1" core | 60 ft | $95.00 |
Silicon Carbide abrasive grinding powders are loose abrasives used for lapping, grinding, and polishing applications. These high-quality powders provide controlled material removal and are ideal for manual lapping operations, charging lapping plates, or creating custom grinding slurries. Available in 1 lb and 5 lb packages.
| Grit (ANSI) | P-Grade Equivalent | Part Number | SKU | Price (1 lb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 | P120 | SIC-120-1LB | 1069461588006 | $29.00 |
| 240 | P280 | SIC-240-1LB | 1069461588044 | $28.00 |
| 320 | P400 | SIC-320-1LB | 1069461588082 | $28.00 |
| 400 | P800 | SIC-400-1LB | 1069461588129 | $28.00 |
| 600 | P1200 | SIC-600-1LB | 1069461588167 | $28.00 |
| 800 | P2400 | SIC-800-1LB | 1069461588204 | $36.00 |
| 1000 | P3000 | SIC-1000-1LB | 1069461588242 | $36.00 |
| 1200 | P4000 | SIC-1200-1LB | 1069461588280 | $36.00 |
Note: 5 lb packages also available at higher price points. Contact sales for bulk pricing.
The PENTA Series features hand grinders with silicon carbide rolls in various grits for precision material removal and surface preparation. These durable systems provide efficient grinding with water cooling for optimal metallographic sample preparation.
Expert answers about abrasive belts, rolls, and powders for metallographic preparation
Abrasive belts are pre-cut, endless loops designed for automated belt grinders and offer consistent, high-volume processing. Rolls provide continuous abrasive material that can be cut to custom sizes for manual or semi-automated applications, offering flexibility in sample preparation. Loose abrasive powders are used with lapping plates, cloths, or composite surfaces for precision grinding and polishing, particularly for achieving ultra-flat surfaces or working with delicate materials. Each format serves different workflow needs and equipment compatibility.
Abrasive belts are specifically designed for belt grinders with continuous-loop systems. For manual grinding equipment, abrasive rolls or discs are more suitable as they can be cut to fit your platen size. If you have a belt grinder, ensure the belt size matches your equipment specifications. Contact our technical team if you need help determining the right format for your grinder.
For loose abrasive powders used in lapping, start with coarser grits (180-320) for initial material removal, then progress to medium grits (400-600) for surface refinement, and finish with fine grits (800-1200) for final preparation before polishing. The exact grit progression depends on your material hardness and surface finish requirements. Silicon carbide powders are most common for general metallographic work, while alumina powders work well for softer materials.
Always thoroughly rinse specimens and equipment between grit changes to prevent cross-contamination. Use separate cloths or lapping plates for each grit size, and clean all surfaces with water or appropriate solvents before progressing to finer grits. Store powders in sealed containers and use clean spatulas for dispensing. Consider using dedicated work areas for different grit ranges to minimize contamination risk.
Abrasive belts and rolls can be used until the abrasive grains become worn or loaded with material. Signs it's time to replace include reduced cutting efficiency, excessive heat generation, or visible wear on the abrasive surface. Proper lubrication and regular dressing can extend their life. Track your usage to establish replacement intervals for consistent results. Unlike loose powders which are typically single-use, belts and rolls offer extended service life with proper care.
Water is the most common lubricant for silicon carbide belts and rolls, providing cooling and debris removal. For materials sensitive to water (like certain steels prone to corrosion), use petroleum-based cutting fluids or specialized grinding lubricants. The lubricant should maintain a consistent flow during grinding to prevent overheating and loading of the abrasive. For loose powders on lapping plates, water or light oil works well depending on the material being prepared.