Ceramic Media
Ceramic finishing media is the most common media used in mass finishing. It is durable, inexpensive and highly versatile, and it can be manufactured in a wide variety of precise shapes. Ceramic finishing media is made of silica and other minerals and abrasives which are combined, formed, and fired at a high temperature, producing a very hard, cement-like product. Most ceramic media such as triangles, stars and ellipses are extruded and cut to the desired length.
The density of the media is usually determined by the amount of abrasive incorporated into the mix prior to firing. The more abrasive, the higher the density. This matters because the higher the density, the more aggressive the media is. Aggressive media cuts faster, leaves a rougher surface, and wears quicker. Dense media is only practical where the objective cannot be achieved any other way, or where the reduction in cycle time brings greater value than the extra cost in media consumption.
Specifications
| Grade | Description | Density (lb/cu ft) | Abrasive |
|---|---|---|---|
| #61 | An extremely hard, fine grained, abrasive-free ceramic media for light deburring, driving loose abrasives and mild polishing. Can be compounded with a variety of loose grit abrasives to achieve a wide range of finishing requirements. Exceptional impact resistance for media of its hardness. | 85 | — |
| #62 | A versatile, general purpose, mildly abrasive media which combines a low media wear rate (attrition) with a respectable metal removal rate (aggression). The media of choice for most high energy applications. | 90 | Aluminum Oxide |
| #63 | A high performance cutting, deburring, edge radiusing and surface refinement media for fast metal removal and a fine finish with a moderate wear rate. Used in applications where a faster, more aggressive cut than #62 is required. | 95 | Aluminum Oxide |
| #64 | An extremely fast cutting media for rapid cut down, radiusing, deburring and surface refinement. Contains more of the fine, fused aluminum oxide abrasives used in #62 and #63, giving a similar finish in a shorter time. The added abrasive increases density and attrition. | 100 | Aluminum Oxide |
| #65 | A fast cutting and relatively fast wearing media formulated for applications where exposure to aluminum oxide cannot be tolerated, such as cemented carbides, high alumina ceramics, and parts to be welded or brazed in a later operation. | 95 | Silicon Carbide |
| #69 | The fastest cutting media offered by Richwood, used for rapid edge radiusing, surface refinement and parting line removal. Highly fracture and chip resistant, and performs well in high energy equipment. Also the fastest wearing, but its performance often makes it the most economical choice. | 100 | Aluminum Oxide |
| Shape | A (width) | B (length) | 61 | 62 | 63 | 64 | 65 | 69 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angle Cut Cylinders | 7/8, 5/8, 1/2, 5/16, 3/16, 1/8 | 1-3/4, 1-1/2, 7/8, 5/8, 3/8, 11/32 | * | * | * | * | — | * |
| Angle Cut Cylinders | 3/8 | 5/8 | — | * | * | — | — | — |
| Angle Cut Stars | 1-3/8, 1-1/8, 7/8, 5/8 | 1/2, 3/8, 3/8, 1/4 | — | * | * | * | — | * |
| Angle Cut Triangle | 1-7/8, 1-3/8, 1-1/8, 7/8, 7/8, 5/8, 5/8, 3/8, 3/8 | 5/8, 1/2, 3/8, 7/8, 3/8, 1/4, 5/8, 3/8, 1/4 | * | * | * | * | * | * |
| Angle Cut Triangle | 1-1/8 | 1-1/8 | — | — | — | * | — | — |
| CYL-CUT CT | 1, 1-1/2 | — | — | — | * | — | — | — |
| Cone CN | 1-1/4, 3/4, 1/2 | 1-1/4, 7/8, 5/8 | * | * | * | * | — | * |
A is the cross-section width and B is the length, both in inches. * marks grades the shape is available in. The 61-69 availability columns reproduce the legacy chart.
| Shape | A (width) | B (length) | 61 | 62 | 63 | 64 | 65 | 69 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diamond 0° | 1-5/8 | 3/4 | * | * | * | * | * | * |
| Arrowhead 0° | 5/8 | 3/8 | * | * | * | * | * | * |
| Ellipse | 9/16, 7/8 | 1/4, 3/8 | * | * | * | * | * | * |
| Tetrahedron + Pyramid | 7/8, 1-1/8, 1-1/4, 1-3/8, 1-1/2, 2 | — | * | * | * | * | * | * |
| Sphere | 3/16, 5/16, 7/16, 9/16, 11/16, 13/16 | — | * | * | * | * | * | * |
Minimum Order: 600 LBS. Diamond available in 1/8 in. increments starting from 1/2 in. Ellipse available in any length in 1/8 in. increments, starting with 1/4 in. Tetrahedron available only as a 50-50 combination of both Tetrahedron and Pyramid shapes.
How to choose
Selecting density vs aggression
- Density is set by the amount of abrasive in the mix before firing. More abrasive means higher density.
- Higher density means more aggressive cutting, a rougher surface, and faster media wear.
- Lower density media wears slower and leaves a finer finish, but cuts more slowly.
- Choose dense, aggressive media only when no other approach achieves the objective.
- Choose dense, aggressive media when shorter cycle time is worth more than the added media consumption cost.
Need a quote or a sample? Call 310.532.1313 or email Sales@RichwoodIndustries.com. For data sheets, Tech@RichwoodIndustries.com.
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