How to Maximize Production When Grinding with Coated Abrasives – Use the Correct Belt Speed.

Although there are numerous variables to consider when grinding or finishing with coated abrasives, there is one set of guidelines that is primarily based on the of the work-piece. Below is a chart with recommended coated abrasive belt cutting speeds in Surface Feet per Minute. Keep in mind these are guidelines for belt cutting speeds allowing the abrasives to perform optimally. There may be situations where your equipment is programmed to operate outside of these limits.

MATERIAL SFPM Aluminum 6000-7000 Brass/Bronze 6200-7200 Copper 6000-7000 Glass 2000-3500 Grey Cast Iron 4000-5500 Inconel 3000-4000 Lumber Sanding 4000-6000 Nickel/Chrome 2000-3000 Hard Rubber 3500-5000 Steel 6000-7000 Stainless Steel 4000-5500 Titanium 1500-2500 Tool Steel 5000-6500

In order to determine the SFPM, there are several key variables:
p = 3.1416
D = Diameter (in) of contact wheel
RPM = Revolutions per minute of machine shaft
SFPM = Surface feet per minute

Plugging these into the equation below will give SFPM:

p x D x RPM
= SFPM
12


The metric equivalent of SFPM is meters per second (M/S). To convert SFPM to M/S, divide by 196.8 or use this formula:
Legend:
p = 3.1416
D = Diameter (mm)
RPM = Revolutions per minute

Equation:
p x D
x
RPM
= M/S
1000
60






























Case History –
SK840X: Off Hand Grinding of Knife Blades

Case History SK840X
The Application: Off hand grinding of knife blades.
The Challenge: A manufacturer polishing stainless steel knife blades needed a product that could provide a longer life with a consistent finish. The manufacturer was currently using a ceramic, 3M 777.
The Solution: VSM used the ceramic SK840X to test against 3M. In the test, the 3M product had a life of 50 parts while still maintaining finish. The SK840X polished 100 parts and provided less abrasive costs per part.
Key Features: · Fast cutting ceramic grain
· Extended belt life
· No reworked parts
· Lower cost per piece
The Outcome: The SK840X provided the customer with substantial savings by reducing belt usage and providing an excellent finish.

Success Story –
Buck Knives………
Steve Raley of Buck Knives in El Cajon, CA switched to VSM and is 100% satisfied. He says, “The VSM team has been outstanding in both technical support and delivery of the product. VSM’s coated abrasives have been the most reliable product I have seen. The best part is that we have seen a 30% - 50% increase the life of our belts and decrease belt cost.”











FREE Abrasives for a WEEK!
Have you ever wanted to test a product for an extended period of time and not have to pay for it?
The concept is simple. Try VSM’s Quality Coated Abrasives for one week, at no cost to you, and experience the cost reduction and/or process improvement that VSM abrasives can offer in your applications.
The enrollment process is simple….
1) Email your request to ldevries@vsmabrasives.com
2) You will receive a call within the week from our technical service department. They will be your contact for this unique offer and will go over in detail your specific application and gather the information to get things started!

WHY JOIN THE PROGRAM???
· FREE abrasives for one week to test in your application!*
· No hassles – easy enrollment and participation.
· Learn how you can decrease manufacturing costs and improve productivity.
· Sample a variety of coated abrasives to test. Your program may include Compactgrain, ceramic or Zirconia grains in whatever grits and sizes your application requires.
· You will receive a detailed cost savings report at the end of the week.

*Offer valid for non-VSM applications only.












Industry Trends –
The Pitfalls of Choosing a Supplier Based Solely on Priceby Dave Jacoby, Director of Sales and Marketing

As a manufacturer of coated abrasives, we are finding in today’s tough economic times that many coated abrasive suppliers are competing primarily on price. On the surface, many customers feel this is a logical solution to help save them money. However, this may not always be the most overall cost effective solution when trying to improve your bottom line.

After 140 years of experience, VSM has found that choosing a product based solely on price is not the optimum solution. In many of these circumstances the products being sold do not exactly “fit” the applications. This “mismatch” frequently leads to increased costs in other areas of plant operations. These hidden costs, such as poor finish, increased downtime, and operator fatigue, to name a few, actually increase overall production costs even though it appears that your abrasive costs are down.

As a leader in the coated abrasive industry, VSM wants you to be aware of the pitfalls of choosing an abrasive supplier based solely on price. To get the most for your dollar, we recommend choosing a progressive abrasive manufacturer who invests time and money in their Research and Development Department developing new products. These manufacturers are continuously looking for ways to enhance their customers’ productivity and are interested in finding the “best” product for an application through testing and application research. You can be assured that when you choose a progressive abrasive manufacturer you will be working with a company that is interested in your long-term needs and not just wanting to make a quick sale.