Types of Backing Material used in Abrasives

Backing material and glue are the main fundamental features of abrasive tape. The backing material of sticky tape is a generally meager, adaptable, and porous material covered with glue.

Among the unlimited conceivable outcomes, the most well-known backing materials are paper, fabric, non-woven, overlays, foil, froth, and plastic film like PVC or polypropylene. Providers and makers of tapes will work with you to decide the proper support to satisfy your item details.

The backing material at first has the work of holding the glue and the groundwork. It is generally somewhat slim, adaptable, and smooth. That makes it consummately appropriate for pretty much every application in each spot of utilization and each plan. The actual material can vary broadly, and this is where it starts to assume an essential part, contingent upon where, how long, and for what reason sticky tape ought to be utilized.

Different Types of Backing Materials

The basic elements of abrasive tape are the backing material and the adhesive. The backing material is typically a thin, flexible carrier or substrate coated with glue and serves as both structural support and attachment method for the abrasive grains. Main backing materials include paper, cloth, fiber, combination backing, foil, foam, and plastic films such as PVC or polypropylene.

Based on product specifications and end-use applications, manufacturers collaborate closely with clients to choose the appropriate backing material.  The flexibility, strength, and durability of the backing material are essential factors in evaluating the performance of the abrasive.

Below are the four significant types of backing materials:

1. Paper

Specialized technical papers are used as substrates for coated abrasives. They're identified by letters which represent weight and flexibility:

"A" and "B" weights are lightweight and highly flexible.

"C," "D," "E," "F" weights are medium to heavyweight for more strength and less flexibility.

2. Cloth

Cloth backings are more durable than paper backings. There are several types of cloth backings: cotton (i.e., Egyptian), polyester, and polyester-cotton blends. 

Cloth backings are also recognized by weight and flexibility: 

"F" weight (J-Flex) is light and highly flexible. This lighter weight is suitable for cleaning, finishing, and polishing. 

"J" weight (Jeans) is very flexible and suitable for cleaning, finishing, and polishing contour surfaces. 

"X" weight (Drills) is medium to heavyweight for more strength and sturdiness. Its low flexibility is suitable for grinding, deburring, and finishing. "H" (Heavy Duty) may be a heavier weight than "X" weight. It has low flexibility and is suitable for heavy-duty grinding and deburring applications.

3. Fiber

Fiber backing is a rigid vulcanized material made up of rag stock. This backing is typically used for abrasive fiber discs.

4. Combination Backing

Combination backing is both laminated paper and cloth and is extremely sturdy and shock-resistant. Combination backings are typically used for a good range of grits and mounting techniques.

Other Backing Materials

There is also a spread of other substrates, like nylon fiber or screens, coated for special applications. Non-woven nylon impregnated with the abrasive grain is another substrate used for cleaning, polishing, or blending.

Essential Considerations for Coated Abrasive

• Improper storage of coated abrasives will significantly affect performance. All kinds of backings are vulnerable to variations in temperature and humidity during storage.

• Maintain the stockroom at constant levels of humidity (35-50%) and temperature (60-80° F)

• Keep cartons far away from damp or cold walls and floors where they'll absorb moisture.

• Store coated abrasives far away from any heat source.

• Keep products in original packages for straightforward handling and stacking.

• Fiber discs far away from the first packaging should be stored in a suitable disc holder and kept stored. 

• Precondition the coated abrasive products in a humidity and temperature-controlled environment before use for maximum efficiency.