Introduction
As part of our core item offering, Superior Abrasives is a leader in quick change disc production and always looking for innovative additions to our product range. ALPHA-KUT™ is the introduction of our most aggressive coated material available in quick change form. As a potential replacement for some small cutting wheels, coated abrasives, especially in quick change form, are relatively user-friendly and much more forgiving than bonded products. Material can be removed quickly and shaped or smoothed over in one step, reducing tooling changeover for operators. ALPHA-KUT™ allows us to pursue industries like foundries and heavy-duty fabrication while offering a safer, less expensive alternative to some current products used.
What is ALPHA-KUT?
Our new ALPHA-KUT™ product consists of triangular, precision-formed abrasive grains, exhibiting the continually self-sharpening properties and wear characteristics of ceramics for maximum life and consistent cutting action. The triangular grains are applied upright for the sharpest cutting angle, which will reduce heat generation caused by friction. Additional grinding aid is added to prolong the cool-cutting action.
The strength of the manufactured grain is complimented with a rigid, fiber backing, producing stability and added pressure for maximum stock removal. In quick change form no additional liner or backing is necessary, as buttons are securely bonded directly to the fiber.
- Triangular, precision-formed ceramic grains
- Consistent, optimum cutting angle
- Self-sharpening ceramic wear characteristics
- Stable base with sharp cutting points
- Immediate, aggressive stock removal
- Durable, rigid fiber backing
- Reduced heat buildup with grinding aid
Applications
ALPHA-KUT™ quick change discs can simply be used in the same manner as other coated quick change discs, but would be overkill on anything less than heavy material removal or hardened materials. Primary examples include cast parts in which the sprue is removed, large parts with excessive parting lines, or large weld removal in narrow or otherwise inaccessible areas of larger workpieces.
- Cast parts shaping or removal, including sprues or parting lines
- Leveling and rough shaping
- Large weld or seam removal and blending
- Heavy material removal
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Industries
Primarily, the foundry and fabrication industries are most accepting of aggressive removal products. Hours and even days are spent prepping large cast parts for further machining or final use, so reduced operator effort, or tooling and product changeover can accumulate to several hours of savings every week. In smaller forms of fabrication, ALPHA-KUT™ will be used as an ultra-aggressive coated abrasive producing speed over other products.
- Foundries and Fabricators using the following:
- Cast Iron
- Ductile Iron
- Stainless Steel
- Carbon Steel
Performance
You will find that while ALPHA-KUT™ can complement existing coated abrasives, it may be a suitable replacement for small diameter or light-use cutting wheels. The relatively forgiving nature of coated quick change discs allows new and inexperienced operators to perform tasks without much risk to expensive workpieces, and can reduce secondary processes.
While quick change discs do not have the surface area of 4-1/2”+ resin fiber discs, they have the advantage of being controllable in narrow or hard-to-access geometries. ALPHA-KUT™ can also be presented as value-added solutions to the operator.
- Replacement for light-use cutting wheels
- Most aggressive coated abrasive
- More forgiving than cut-off or grinding wheels (bonded abrasives)
- Medium to high contact pressure