VSM ceramic grain abrasives and their importance in industrial cutting

VSM CERAMICS: A proven solution since 2005

The introduction of ceramic grain technology has initiated a major change in industrial cutting. Since the introduction of VSM CERAMICS in 2005, VSM has provided a highly technical and effective solution for the rough grinding of metal components. For the rapid removal of surface defects, for example, or for bevelling, deburring, removing sprues, or processing weld seams – ceramic grain abrasives are now indispensable for metal processing companies. This product line has proven to be a game changer when it comes to increasing productivity in numerous industrial applications. Today, ceramic grain technologies have become indispensable, including the advanced CERAMICS Plus series introduced in 2015.

Focus on quality and performance: VSM as a pioneer

VSM has a strong focus on quality and innovation, and produces its own ceramic grain. The VSM CERAMICS and CERAMICS Plus series provide the answer to increasingly exacting demands in the machining industry.

Compared to products from other suppliers, VSM ceramic grain abrasives not only achieve a higher stock removal rate, but also a reduced temperature in the grinding zone, because the microcrystalline grain structure enables continuous self-sharpening:

During machining, individual grain fragments break off to form a fresh, sharp grain tip. VSM CERAMICS abrasives are therefore known for their optimum stock removal and highly regarded as a premium product for a wide range of stationary and mobile grinding applications.

The VSM CERAMICS Plus abrasive grains offer an even better self-sharpening effect. Especially when machining high-alloyed steels and superalloys using high contact pressures. The unique microcrystalline grain structure enables significantly finer and sharper breaking of the grain, which leads to lower working temperatures and a significantly longer service life.

Field tests have shown that the stock removal rate and service life of the VSM CERAMICS and VSM CERAMIS Plus series are up to 40% greater than those of conventional ceramic grain abrasives.

These features lead to increased productivity, which is of crucial importance in today’s competitive landscape.

Additional layers for optimal performance: VSM TOP SIZE and VSM ALU-X

The VSM TOP SIZE and VSM ALU-X special additional layers contribute significantly to the performance of VSM abrasives.

The product series with TOP SIZE are ideal for dry machining stainless, heat-resistant steels. The grinding-active layer lowers the temperature in the grinding zone and thus significantly improves cutting performance. This significantly extends the service life of the abrasive.

ALU-X is the most recent additional layer in the VSM portfolio, and was specially developed for machining non-ferrous metals such as aluminium. By reducing chip adhesion, this layer increases the performance of the abrasive. Improved chip clearance means that the abrasive works more efficiently, clogs less and achieves high stock removal over a longer period of time. ALU-X also shows very good results when cutting plastics.

A comprehensive selection of grinding tools

The VSM CERAMICS and CERAMICS Plus portfolio offers a comprehensive selection of abrasives for a wide range of applications. With a total of 25 series in different versions and with different dimensions and grit sizes, there is a wide range of options to choose from. The ceramic grain series were developed primarily for machining metals, including stainless steel, nonferrous metals, superalloys and unalloyed steel.

Thanks to their versatility and performance, the CERAMICS and CERAMICS Plus series practically always offer a solution for demanding grinding tasks in various industrial applications.

The extensive VSM CERAMICS and CERAMICS Plus range almost always has a solution for challenging industrial grinding tasks.

Precise grinding of implants

Grinding chromium-cobalt alloy implants is a demanding process that requires high-performance abrasives to achieve optimal results. In a backstand grinding field test, the VSM CERAMICS series XK870F in grit size 80 achieved an increase in service life of 40% compared to other ceramic grit abrasives.

XK870F exhibits extremely aggressive grinding even at low contact pressures. The flexible backing adapts optimally to tight radii and fine contours, making it particularly suitable for precision tasks.

The VSM TOP SIZE additional grinding-active layer enables cooler grinding and significantly extends the service life. This prevents discolouration and loss of quality, which is particularly important for the precise processing of implants.

The results underline the excellent performance and reliability of the CERAMICS series in this specialised area of application.

Knife sharpening with CERAMICS Plus

Hard materials, such as those used in knife production, require extremely hard, sharp abrasive grain and a sturdy backing. An ideal area of application for the VSM CERAMICS Plus series.

VSM performed significantly better here in a direct comparison with a competitor. While the competitor was able to grind only 80 knives with one belt, VSM ground 200 knives with the CERAMICS Plus abrasive belt XK880Y in grit size 80. This represents an increase of 150% and highlights the performance of VSM ceramic grain abrasives.

The optimised self-sharpening effect of the CERAMICS Plus abrasive belt leads to very high stock removal, as new sharp grain tips are constantly created. The VSM TOP SIZE additional grinding-active layer achieves cooler grinding and extends the service life of the grinding belt.

Indispensable in production halls

These practical examples illustrate the performance of the VSM CERAMICS and CERAMICS Plus series in industrial cutting. With a significantly longer service life than other ceramic grain abrasives, they not only demonstrate increased productivity, but also enable considerable cost savings. The versatility of the ceramic grain abrasives enables precise and effective machining of a wide range of materials and workpieces, and this has made them an indispensable component in industrial production.

VSM has many facets and is always at your side

This is ensured by our tailored, individual advice that extends far beyond the date of purchase. Thanks to its close collaboration with machine manufacturers, cutting fluid experts and research institutes, VSM ensures that its customers benefit from technological trends at the earliest opportunity. On request, VSM application engineers can develop optimisation proposals with you on site.

This allows VSM to provide you with optimal support in achieving your quality and performance goals and to guarantee that your grinding processes are always up-to-date.

Bundled expertise since 1864

The combination of advanced grain technology and our own production facility lays the foundation for the outstanding performance of VSM abrasives.– And this has been the case since 1864. This is how long we have been developing, testing and manufacturing products at our Hainholz headquarters in Hanover. All the essential components are (further) developed and produced there, in-house. – From backings and synthetic resin bonds through to ceramic grains. The vertically integrated production guarantees the consistently high quality of the products.

Comprehensive solutions for efficient grinding processes

VSM not only provides high-quality abrasives, but also offers holistic solutions that are essential for efficient production processes. VSM ceramic grain abrasives have been setting standards for almost 20 years and are now indispensable in industrial cutting.

Innovative abrasives such as the geometrically shaped ACTIROX build on this experience and on the success story of the previous ceramic grain series. Check out our expertise for yourself!