Initial aggressiveness 

Initial aggressiveness describes the strength with which an abrasive removes material immediately at the beginning of use. It indicates how “sharp” an abrasive feels at the outset.

High initial aggressiveness is important when material needs to be removed quickly. This is the case when removing scale, rust or welds, for example. Lower initial aggressiveness is often better for delicate work or sensitive surfaces.

What effect does initial aggressiveness have on service life, stock removal and surface?

• High initial aggressiveness: Very fast start, high initial stock removal
• Low initial aggressiveness: Gentle start, less stock removal
• Surface: High aggressiveness can result in a rougher scratch pattern
• Service life: Initial aggressiveness has no bearing on service life. This can still be long even when initial stock removal is high.

A suitable abrasive combines high initial aggressiveness with consistent performance over its entire service life.

Typical problems with high initial aggressiveness:

• The abrasive is very aggressive at the beginning, but this quickly subsides.
• Irregular scratch pattern due to excessive sharpness at the start.
• Damage to the surface of thin or sensitive workpieces.

What needs to be kept in mind when it comes to initial aggressiveness?

1. Choose an abrasive suitable for the application at hand (roughing vs. finish grinding).
2. Give preference to products with uniform drop in performance.
3. Adjust pressure and speed to control the aggressiveness.