PACE Technologies' abrasive belts, rolls, and powders are designed to meet the rigorous demands of metallographic sample preparation. Silicon carbide (SiC) is our most comprehensive offering, covering belts, rolls, and powders across a full grit range. Alumina and zirconia belts are also available for applications where their specific properties (less embedding on soft metals for alumina, longer life on tough metals for zirconia) justify the choice.
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 the go-to abrasive for ferrous metals and most general grinding, with the broadest product range. Alumina belts reduce abrasive embedding on soft, ductile metals (aluminum, copper, brass). Zirconia belts last longer on tough materials such as stainless steels and superalloys. For dense ceramics and cemented carbides, use diamond instead (see Diamond Grinding).
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. Silicon carbide (SiC) is our most comprehensive offering and is the workhorse abrasive for ferrous metals across the full hardness range, with a sharp, self-sharpening cutting action ideal for routine material removal and surface conditioning. Alumina belts are available for soft, ductile non-ferrous metals where SiC's tendency to embed becomes a problem. Zirconia belts offer extended life on tough, hard-to-grind materials such as stainless steels, nickel-based superalloys, and titanium alloys.
Rolls allow for custom sizes, belts are designed for hand and belt grinders, and powders are used with cloths, lapping plates, or composite surfaces for maximum flexibility. Note that dense engineered ceramics and cemented carbides require diamond abrasives rather than SiC, alumina, or zirconia; see our diamond grinding page.
Select the appropriate abrasive type, format, and grit progression based on your material and preparation objective. Grit values below are ANSI/CAMI; SiC belts on this page top out at 240 grit, so finer steps require SiC rolls, papers, or composite disks.
| Material | Objective | Recommended Format & Grit (ANSI/CAMI) |
|---|---|---|
| Soft non-ferrous metals (Al, Cu, Brass, Zn) | Minimize abrasive embedding & deformation | Alumina belts for coarse work (best at minimizing embedding); transition to alumina papers 240→1200 grit (see Abrasive Grinding). SiC belts/rolls can substitute when alumina is not available. |
| Ferrous metals (Low/medium carbon, austenitic stainless) | Reduce deformation & prepare for polishing | SiC belts 60-240 grit for coarse stock removal; SiC rolls 240-600 grit for intermediate. Zirconia belts extend life on austenitic SS. |
| Tool steels, case-hardened, martensitic SS | Planarize hard surface & minimize subsurface damage | SiC belts 60-180 grit for coarse work; SiC rolls 240-600 grit for intermediate. Zirconia belts recommended for high-volume work. |
| Tough alloys (Ni-based superalloys, stainless steels) | Extend abrasive life on hard-to-grind metals | Zirconia belts 60-180 grit (significantly longer life than SiC); follow with SiC rolls 240-600 grit. |
| Refractory metals: tungsten, molybdenum | Coarse stock removal with low surface damage | SiC rolls 320-800 grit, or SiC loose powder 15-30 µm on a lapping plate. |
| Titanium and titanium alloys | Avoid smearing, embedding & contamination | Best prepared with diamond on composite disks (see SIRIUS/ORION). If using SiC, use rolls or powders with frequent abrasive changes. |
| Soft minerals & geological specimens | Remove surface defects with minimal chipping | SiC belts 60-240 grit or SiC powder 15-30 µm. |
| Dense engineered ceramics & cemented carbides | Cut hard ceramic without subsurface damage | Diamond required (SiC, alumina, and zirconia are not hard enough). See Diamond Grinding. |
| Composites (MMCs, PMCs) | Preserve matrix & minimize edge rounding | SiC rolls or papers 240-400 grit. Belts are typically too aggressive for the matrix. |
Silicon Carbide abrasive belts are designed for efficient material removal and surface conditioning in metallographic sample preparation. SiC's sharp, self-sharpening grain delivers fast cutting on ferrous metals across the full hardness range and is the most economical choice for coarse stock removal. 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 |
Alumina (Al₂O₃) belts are the right choice when grinding soft, ductile non-ferrous metals such as aluminum, copper, brass, gold, and silver. Although alumina is slightly softer than SiC (≈2000 HV vs. ≈2500 HV), its grain is tougher and less friable, so it resists fracturing into shards that embed in soft specimen surfaces. For these materials, alumina produces cleaner finishes with fewer embedded abrasive artifacts than SiC.
Zirconia alumina belts combine zirconium oxide (ZrO₂) with aluminum oxide to produce a tough, self-sharpening abrasive. Unlike SiC, which fractures to expose new cutting edges, zirconia alumina undergoes micro-fracturing that continuously refreshes sharp cutting points while preserving the structural integrity of the grain. The result is significantly longer belt life on tough, hard-to-grind materials.
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 | ~P1500 | SIC-800-1LB | 1069461588204 | $36.00 |
| 1000 | ~P2000 | SIC-1000-1LB | 1069461588242 | $36.00 |
| 1200 | ~P2500 | SIC-1200-1LB | 1069461588280 | $36.00 |
Note: 5 lb packages also available at higher price points. Contact sales for bulk pricing. P-grade equivalents are approximate; ANSI/CAMI and FEPA P-grades use different particle-size distributions and diverge at fine grits. See our Grit Size Converter for detailed conversion.
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 standard lubricant for silicon carbide belts and rolls, providing cooling and debris removal. Steels, aluminum, copper, and most metals are routinely wet-ground with water. For genuinely water-reactive materials such as magnesium and its alloys, sodium- or potassium-bearing specimens, and materials with water-soluble phases, use water-soluble oils or petroleum-based cutting fluids. 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.