FAQ

TERMS & CONDITIONS FAQ'S

What methods of payment are accepted?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. We will not charge your credit card until your order ships.

What is your shipping policy?
AA Abrasives Inc ships to all 50 states and Canada. 99.9% of all in stock orders placed before 3:30 pm EST are shipped the day they are received. Shipping charges from our warehouse in Philadelphia, PA are calculated based on weight and method of shipping. AA Abrasives will pay the freight on orders $250.00 and above placed thru our web store at prices listed. If the freight charges are higher than a $2.00 difference shown on your invoice we will contact you before shipping for authorization.

We do not add a per item shipping fee. AA Abrasives Inc. will ship all orders UPS ground unless otherwise requested. If UPS delivery to your location is not available, we will ship via United States Postal Service Priority Mail. We cannot ship orders C.O.D.

What is your return policy?
To process your request as efficiently as possible, in the event that you need to return any item, please note our return policy:

Please email return requests to info@aaabrasives.com for a Return Goods Authorization number (returns will not be accepted unless accompanied by this number) and be sure to write your RGA number on the shipping label.

• All returns must be in good condition in their original packaging and shipped back to the return address on the original shipping label.
• Always include a copy of your invoice or packing slip.
• Claims for discrepancies in shipment must be made within 14 days of receipt of merchandise.
• Materials must be returned within 30 days from date of shipment.
• Special manufactured products may not be returned.

Do you offer a warranty on products?
Our products are warranted to be free from defects. Our obligation to the customer will be at our option to replace any portion proven defective or to refund the purchase price thereof. The customer assumes all other risks if any. The customer shall determine the suitability of the product for its intended use. There is no other warranty expressed or implied, no other deviation is authorized. In no event shall AA Abrasives Inc be liable for any special, incidental or consequential damages (included but not limited to loss of profits).
All products listed in both our print and online catalog shall be used in accordance with safety regulations set by OSHA and by the directive described by The American National Safety Institute B7.1 1978 covering wheels, speeds, safety guards, eye and face protection, flanges, and mounting procedures. The operator has to be thoroughly familiar with the above before using the product.

All items in our Print and Online catalogs are subject to prior sale. Prices subject to change without notice. AA Abrasives Inc is not responsible for printing or typographical errors in either our print or online catalogs.

SAFETY & SECURITY FAQ'S

What are your safety and security policies?
We understand that AAping online can feel risky and uncertain. Where does your information go? How can you be sure that someone out there with a computer can't intercept your credit card numbers? Because your credit card security is our highest priority, AA Abrasives Inc. has taken several steps to ensure that your payment information is processed confidentially and accurately.

AA Abrasives Inc. servers use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), an advanced encryption technology that works with Netscape Navigator (versions 2.0 and above), Microsoft Internet Explorer (version 3.0 and above), and AOL (AOL 3.0 and above). This encryption makes it absolutely impossible for unauthorized parties to read any information that you send us.

In fact, in the highly unlikely event of credit card fraud, AOL, Excite and Visa will guarantee your protection against any liability if reported promptly to your credit card provider. You will simply not be held responsible for the fraudulent charges.

So, there's no risk! In fact, AAping online at AA Abrasives Inc. is statistically safer than using your credit card at a restaurant or department store. Give it a try and see for yourself. We're sure you'll change your mind about the security of Internet AAping, and find yourself appreciating the fun and convenience of AAping at home.

If you have questions regarding our credit card security policies, please email us at info@aaabrasives.com

APPLICATION & TECHNICAL FAQ'S

What are the three basic raw materials used in the manufacture of
coated abrasives?

1. Grain - a synthetic or natural abrasive
2. Bond - an adhesive that permanently bonds the backing to the abrasive
3. Backing - a backing that the abrasive is bonded to

What are the different coated abrasive grain types and their characteristics?

1. Aluminum Oxide - Aluminum Oxide is brown or reddish in color and a man-made abrasive. It is durable with tough cutting edges. It offers long life and is highly wear resistant even under stress applications. Its applications include aluminum, ferrous metals (including alloy steel), hardwood, and leather.
2. Crocus - Crocus is reddish brown in color. It is a soft material made from iron oxide. It is the finest natural grain produced. Its applications include cleaning and extremely fine polishing of soft materials such as gold.
3. Emery - Emery is a dark gray round-shaped natural grain. It is better used as a polishing grain than a cutting grain. It is used for cleaning and polishing metals.
4. Flint - Flint is a low cost white crystalline nonconductive mineral. It is only available with a paper backing. Its is used for low-pressure hand applications, paint removal, and sanding in the electrical motor industry.
5. Garnet - Garnet is a reddish brown natural grain. It is relatively sharp and has a medium hardness. Its durability cannot be compared to that of synthetic abrasives. It is used for finishing applications in soft woods such as fir or pine.
6. Silicon Carbide - Silicon Carbide is black in color. It is a sharp, hard synthetic abrasive. Its friable grains fracture to continually expose new cutting edges and permit fast stock removal. Its applications include aluminum, bronze, non-ferrous metals, and non-metallics such as glass, plastic, rubber and soft woods.
7. White Aluminum Oxide - White Aluminum Oxide is a friable man-made abrasive. Its sharp, cool cutting edges easily break down under pressure to expose new cutting edges. Its applications include non-ferrous metal finishing and production wood sanding.
8. Zirconia Alumina - Zirconia Alumina is a bluish gray colored ultra rugged synthetic abrasive. It has large fracture planes and is a sharper, more blocky grain than aluminum oxide. It self-sharpens as it cuts and is available only in coarser grits. It is used for heavy duty grinding on all ferrous and non-ferrous metals, and rough planing
   of wood products.

What are the different types of abrasive bonds used in coated abrasives?

1. Glue - A system where both coats are made of animal glue is used when the strength of the bond is not an important factor, such as with lightweight papers and materials.
2. Phenolic Resin - This system uses full phenolic resin for both coats. It is designed to withstand moisture and heat during application and is the most durable adhesion available.
3. Resin over Glue - A system where the make coat is animal glue, and the size coat is either urea or phenolic resin. It is used when more strength and heat resistance is necessary.
4. Urea Resin - Both coats are resin-based in this system. Urea resin withstands more frictional heat than normal glue adhesives, but not as much extreme heat as phenolic resin.

What are the different types of backings used in coated abrasives?

1. Cloth Backings - There are two types of cloth backing available. Cotton backing is flexible and lightweight, but not waterproof. Polyester backing is stronger than cotton. It is waterproof, fray resistant and absorbs shock. Cloth backings come in various weights.
• "X" Weight - This string heavy cloth, also called drills, is recommended for all ordinary machine sanding operations.
• "J" Weight - This flexible, lightweight cloth, also called jeans, is used where more flexibility is needed, such as with contour sanding.
• "F" Weight - This highly flexible, lightweight jeans cloth is used when extreme flexibility is desired.
• "Y" Weight - This extremely heavy duty drills cloth is used for tough applications.
2. Fibre Backings - Fibre is a hard, durable material with great mechanical strength. It is used to make resin fibre discs.
3. Paper Backings - Different paper weights, designated by letters, are available for different applications.
• "A" Weight - This light touch 40# paper is primarily used in finishing operations where fine grits are required.
• "C" Weight - This medium light 70# paper is used when some pliability and strength are required. It can be used in folded or flat areas and is ideal for cabinetwork. This backing is available in fine to medium grits.
• "D" Weight - This medium heavy 90# paper is available in medium and coarse grits.
• "E" Weight - This strong 130# paper is used for belts, discs, rolls and very coarse sheets.
• "F" Weight - This 165# paper is used for narrow and wide belts, metal and crankshaft polishing rolls, and cabinet and furniture industries.

What are the basic raw materials used in the construction of nonwoven
abrasives?

1. Grain - a synthetic or natural abrasive
2. Fiber Weave - choice fibers are polyester or nylon
3. Resin System - a bonding system that impregnates the fiber
   weave with grain

What types of grain are used in the production of nonwoven material?

1. Aluminum Oxide - Aluminum Oxide is brown or reddish in color and a man-made abrasive. It is durable with tough cutting edges. It offers long life and is highly wear resistant even under stress applications.
2. Silicon Carbide - Silicon Carbide is black in color. It is a sharp, hard synthetic abrasive. Its friable grains fracture to continually expose new cutting edges and permit fast stock removal. It cuts fast and produces finer scratch patterns.

How do nonwoven abrasives work?
Nonwoven abrasives provide a controlled, sustained stock removal process. The "open weave" three-dimensional material construction provides a continuous supply of new grain when fiber and old grain wear away. The flexible "spring" design reduces the chance of undercutting or gouging a work product. Nonwoven abrasives can be divided into two categories:

1. Clean & Finish - Nonwoven clean & finish products are generally hand-operated. The are not as strong in nature as surface conditioning products because less grain, fiber and resin are used in their production. Clean & finish products include flap wheels, hand pads, sheets and rolls.
2. Surface Conditioning - Surface conditioning products are generally used near the end of the manufacturing process. Surface conditioning refers to the changing of a product's surface, without removing or damaging the base material. These products are used in mechanical operations and include discs and belts.

In what applications are nonwoven abrasives used?

1. Blending
2. Cleaning
3. Deburring
4. Decorative finishing
5. Defuzzing of plywood
6. Flash removal from plastic parts
7. Polishing
8. Removing oxides and rusts
9. Scrubbing
10. Scuffing

What materials are nonwoven abrasives use on?

1. Aluminum
2. Brass
3. Ceramics
4. Chrome Plate
5. Copper
6. Fiberglass
7. Glass
8. Nickel
9. Stainless Steel
10. Titanium
11. Wood/Plywood
12. Zinc

What are the main components used in the construction of bonded abrasives?

1. Abrasive grains - usually aluminum oxide or silicon carbide
2. Bonding agent - usually a resin bond
3. Spacing of grains within the bond - determine porosity and strength

What applications are bonded abrasives used in?

1. Centerless grinding
2. Cylindrical grinding
3. Foundry snagging
4. Internal grinding
5. Mounted point grinding
6. Portable grinding
7. Surface grinding
8. Toolroom grinding

What grit do I use for my finishing application?

• If you are roughing, choose a 36 to 80 grit.
• If you are intermediate grinding, use 80 through 180 grit.
• If you are finishing, use 220 through 240 grit.

What type of abrasives are best for finishing specific materials?

• Bonded abrasives are generally used when removing heavy stock or cutting concrete or metals.
• Coated abrasives are generally used for the defuzzing, deburring or finishing of hard or soft woods, and ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
• Nonwoven abrasives are generally used for polishing and finishing a variety of materials such as plastic, glass, rubber and ferrous or non-ferrous materials.

How do I obtain certain finishes (example: mirror finish) on ferrous and non-ferrous metals?
This is a question with several different answers. So we can provide the best solution please call our customer service at 800-888-1802.

What is the best way to store my abrasives?
The best way to have abrasive products retain maximum performance and work life is to store them properly. The bonding and backing materials used in abrasives are very sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity.
Abrasives are best stored at temperature levels of 60 to 80 degrees Farenheit and a 35 to 50 percent relative humidity. Products should be kept in their cartons until you are ready to use them. Cartons should be kept away from heat sources, cold walls, and off of damp floors.