Are More Expensive Abrasives Worth the Cost?

Jan 25th 2018

When it's time to replenish your supply of cut-off wheels, flap discs, cloth belts, or other abrasive consumables, sometimes it makes the most sense to choose the least expensive product. However, that may not always be the best route.

You might wonder whether spending more on something like a cut-off wheel will be worth it in the long run. The wheel itself would need to last longer than a less expensive product in order to offset the increased cost, but there are other, less obvious, factors to consider as well.

We can learn a lot from the abrasives experts at Norton because they have spent years perfecting not only their products but also a series of testing procedures that shed light onto sources of costs that may not be obvious to the everyday abrasives user.

Let's take a look at the Norton Bluefire line of abrasives and see what we can learn about the trade-off between initial purchase cost verses longterm abrasive performance.

What makes Bluefire different?

The Bluefire collection of abrasive products make up Norton's "better" product tier. Due to the high ratio of proprietary zirconia aluminum abrasive grain in the Bluefire formula, the bond system holds the grain longer than other abrasive formulations. As a result, Bluefire abrasive products perform better than standard aluminum oxide products.

Faster Cutting and Grinding from a Longer Lasting Wheel

First, the better-performing grain of Bluefire abrasive products means that cutting will occur faster, up to two times faster in the case of Bluefire grinding wheels.

Second, the wheel itself will last up to three times longer, meaning that replacement costs are drastically reduced.

Reap the Benefits of Cooler Operating Temperatures

Because Bluefire abrasive holds its grain longer than other formulations, the overall operating temperature of the wheel stays cooler. This helps prevent workpiece staining that can occur at high temperatures.

Increased cutting efficiency and cooler operating temperatures also put less stress on machines, requiring about 20% less amperage, thereby prolonging the life of your machines.

Learn more about Bluefire abrasive performance in this video:

Don't Forget About Operator Experience

While hard-and-fast numbers, such 20% better MRR (metal removal rate) that Bluefire abrasives offer, are undoubtedly important, your experience as the person operating the machinery cannot be ignored. When the abrasive is working more efficiently and at a cooler temperature, you can get the same amount of work done with less effort and more comfort. Also keep in mind that higher-end abrasives may produce less dust and therefore greater safety, efficiency, and comfort while you're working.

Adding It All Up

When you combine better operator experience with the measurable improvements in metal removal rates and even machinery wear-and-tear, it becomes apparent that the increased cost of a "better" abrasive line like the Norton Bluefire products can be more than worth the initial increase in cost.

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