Applications by material

Find the right solution for your application

Working on a weld seam, surface or finish that doesn’t give the result you want? Choose your material and discover step by step how to carry out the operation correctly, with the right products for each phase.

Grinding a metal workpiece with an angle grinder
Materials

Choose your material

Every material calls for its own approach. Choose your material and find the right abrasives for each operation.

Flap disc on a stainless steel tube
Stainless steel
12 operations

Stainless steel

From removing the weld to a mirror finish, without discolouring the stainless steel.

Grinding aluminium with a flap disc
Aluminium
7 operations

Aluminium

From removing the weld to an even, paint-ready surface, without your disc clogging.

Grinding steel with sparks
Steel
6 operations

Steel

From removing the weld to an even, paint-ready surface, without overheating or unnecessary material use.

Method

Every operation in three steps

On every material page, you’ll find the operations in the same order. Work from coarse to fine and don’t skip any grit, otherwise the scratches from the previous step remain visible in the finish.

1

Weld removal

Grind the weld flat, without going too deep into the base material.

2

Post-processing and cleaning

Remove scratches, burrs and grinding marks as preparation for the finish.

3

Finishing

An even, uniform scratch pattern as the basis for painting or a final finish.

Comparison

Short comparison of the materials

PropertySteelAluminiumStainless steel
StrengthVery strong and wear-resistantGood strength, but less robust than steelStrong and durable
WeightHeavyVery light (± 1/3 of steel)Medium (heavier than aluminium, lighter than solid steel)
Corrosion resistanceModerate, often needs a coatingGood, resistant to corrosionVery good, rustproof
MaintenanceRegularly needed (protective layer, painting)Low maintenanceLow maintenance, easy to clean
Price indicationRelatively cheapMedium, often more expensive than steelMore expensive than steel and aluminium
Typical applicationsConstruction, machinery, load-bearing structuresFacades, transport, lightweight constructionsKitchens, medical sector, architectural applications

Frequently asked questions about grinding by material

What is the difference between stainless steel and inox?

There is no difference: stainless steel and inox are two names for the same material. In Belgium and France it is often called inox, in the Netherlands RVS (roestvast staal).

Why do you use separate abrasives for stainless steel and steel?

Abrasives previously used on regular steel leave iron particles on the stainless steel. These start to rust and leave stains on the surface. That’s why you use separate abrasives for stainless steel.

Why does abrasive clog on aluminium?

Aluminium is a soft metal with a low melting point. Due to the heat during grinding, aluminium particles smear between the grains. The disc then clogs, stops cutting and wears faster. You’ll find more information under aluminium.

In what order do you grind a metal workpiece?

Work in three steps: first remove the weld, then post-process and clean, and only then finish. Work from coarse to fine and don’t skip any grit, so each grit removes the scratches of the previous one.

More information

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