Metallographic Grinding
Metallographic grinding is the stage of sample preparation used to remove material, flatten the specimen surface, and eliminate the damage left by sectioning. It establishes the flat, low-damage foundation required for consistent and repeatable polishing.
The consumables in this collection provide controlled material removal and reliable progression through the grinding stages across a wide range of materials. These consumables are comparable to the grinding consumables from Buehler, Struers, and Allied High Tech, typically 20 to 40 percent lower in price.
-
Silicon Carbide (SiC) Powder
From $40.00
-
Silicon Carbide Grinding Paper — 8 inch
From $71.00
-
Silicon Carbide Grinding Paper — 10 inch
From $99.00
-
Silicon Carbide Grinding Paper — 12 inch
From $130.00
-
Silicon Carbide (SiC) Grinding Paper Rolls
From $40.00
-
Silicon Carbide (SiC) Grinding Belts
$85.00
-
Silicon Carbide (SiC) Grinding Paper Strips
From $53.00
-
Diamond Grinding Disc - Metal and Resin Bond
From $85.00
-
Zirconia Grinding Belt
$70.00
-
Zirconia Grinding Disc - Adhesive Backed
From $95.00
Where Grinding Fits in Metallographic Preparation
Grinding follows sectioning and precedes polishing, and is performed in steps from coarse (planar) to fine. A typical sequence is sectioning → planar grinding → fine grinding → polishing. The goal is a flat surface with the least possible subsurface deformation carried into the polishing steps.
Choosing a Grinding Medium by Material
The grinding medium is chosen by material hardness. Silicon carbide paper handles most materials up to about HRC 60; harder materials call for a diamond or zirconia medium that removes material without wearing out or causing relief.
| Material | Recommended Medium | Starting Grit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft metals (aluminum, copper, brass) | SiC paper | 320–400 | Fine start; these load coarse paper quickly. |
| Steels and cast irons (to ~HRC 50) | SiC paper | 120–240 | Standard grit sequence to 1200 before diamond. |
| Hard steels, Ni superalloys (HRC 50+) | SiC paper, then diamond disc | 80–120 | Transition to a diamond grinding disc for fine grinding. |
| Ceramics, cemented carbides (HV 1000+) | Diamond grinding disc | Bypass SiC — begin 15 or 9 micron diamond | SiC wears too fast and causes relief on these. |
Grinding Consumable Categories
Silicon Carbide Grinding Papers
Used for planar and fine grinding on most materials up to about HRC 60. Available across the grit range so you can build a stepwise sequence, removing the prior scratch pattern completely before advancing. PSA backing adheres to the platen; plain backing suits magnetic systems and manual work.
Diamond Grinding Discs
Used for hard materials and high-throughput workflows, in metal and resin bond. A single diamond disc holds flatness and lasts across many samples, replacing several SiC steps on hard materials and lowering cost per sample.
Best-Practice Guidance
Progress through the grit steps without skipping a grade; apply consistent pressure; keep the surface lubricated and flushed; and clean the specimen between steps to prevent carry-over of coarse abrasive. Skipping grits or under-grinding a step is the most common cause of scratches that persist into polishing; over-coarse abrasive without proper progression causes excess deformation. Verify each step is clean at 50–100× reflected light before advancing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of grinding in metallography?
Grinding removes material and the damage left by sectioning, and flattens the surface so polishing starts from a consistent, low-deformation foundation. It runs from coarse planar grinding to fine grinding, each step removing the scratch pattern of the previous one before the specimen moves to polishing.
When should I use a diamond disc instead of SiC paper?
Use a diamond grinding disc above about HRC 60 — cemented carbides, technical ceramics, and other very hard materials — where SiC paper wears out fast and causes relief. For softer metals and steels up to about HRC 50, SiC paper in the standard grit sequence is the efficient, lower-cost choice.
How many grinding steps are typically required?
It depends on the material and the finish required, but a typical sequence uses three to five grit steps from planar to fine grinding. Do not skip grit grades — each step should fully remove the prior scratch pattern, which is faster overall than trying to jump ahead and re-grind.
Try Any Product Free
Request a free sample of anything in this category and run it against your current supplier on your own equipment.
Request a Free Sample