Alumina Zirconia Grains

Saint-Gobain Abrasive Grains' controls the crystal size and microstructure of its Norzon NV^® 40% alumina zirconia grains to provide the optimum alloy of alumina and zirconia. This produces an extremely fine crystalline microstructure that allows for one of the most productive and durable materials in the abrasives industry, outperforming commodity abrasives like brown fused aluminum oxide and silicon carbide.

The 40% alumina-zirconia grains of the Norzon NV product family demonstrate spectacular cutting ability because of their inherent strength and high resistance to dulling. Norzon NV abrasive grains are created using Saint-Gobain Abrasive Grains' unique process of fusing zircon sand and alumina at ultra-high temperatures to create particles with controlled fracture properties, which result in dramatic improvements in stock removal. Depending on the grit size and application, the effective cutting life of this sharp, hard grain is up to six times longer than ordinary abrasives. The most common applications are in bonded, coated and cut-off wheel applications.

Norzon NV 1610 and 1612 grains for bonded applications are particularly well suited for use in applications in which medium-to-heavy stock removal is required. These grains offer enhanced performance on a variety of materials, including stainless and high alloy steels. Norzon NV grains also will outperform traditional alumina zirconia grains at lower applied pressure and power conditions.

Norzon NV 1620 and 1622 grains are especially well suited for use in applications in which medium-to-heavy stock removal is required for coated abrasives. These grains offer enhanced performance on a variety of materials, including stainless and high alloy steels. Norzon NV also will outperform traditional alumina zirconia grains at lower applied pressure and power conditions.

As commodity grains such as BFA dull, the operator or machine must compensate via significantly increased force in order to maintain productivity. The dull grain and high forces typically result in burning the work piece. As seen in the "Normal Force" graph above, Norzon NV features very low force cutting for an extended period. Likewise, the "Power" graph above shows Norzon NV's cutting efficency and long life.