Quick Answer
At CanAbrasive, we manufacture and supply black and green silicon carbide (SiC) abrasives engineered for demanding surface preparation, grinding, cutting, lapping, and polishing tasks. Thanks to its exceptional hardness (Mohs 9.2–9.5), sharp crystalline morphology, high thermal conductivity, and chemical stability, SiC delivers fast, clean material removal on metals and non-metals alike. From blasting bridges and ship hulls to precision finishing ceramics and optical glass, SiC offers reliable performance, tight particle-size control (FEPA/JIS/ANSI), and strong process consistency for industrial users worldwide.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Silicon Carbide Abrasive?
- How Silicon Carbide Is Manufactured
- Types of SiC Abrasives We Supply
- Key Physical and Mechanical Properties
- Applications in Blasting and Surface Preparation
- Applications in Grinding and Cutting
- Applications in Lapping, Polishing, and Honing
- Applications in Ceramics and Stone Processing
- Specialty Industrial and Metallurgical Uses
- International Standards, Quality, and Compliance
- Why Choose CanAbrasive as Your SiC Supplier
- Conclusion
- FAQ
What Is a Silicon Carbide Abrasive?
Silicon carbide is a synthetically produced ceramic compound renowned for its extreme hardness, abrasion resistance, and ability to maintain cutting efficiency under thermal and mechanical stress. As an abrasive, it is deployed in bonded tools (grinding wheels and cutting discs), coated products (belts, papers, and sheets), blasting media, and loose-grit slurries for lapping and polishing. Because SiC grains fracture in a controlled, brittle manner, they continuously expose fresh, sharp edges—a self-sharpening effect that sustains high stock-removal rates and predictable surface finishes.
How Silicon Carbide Is Manufactured
We source and process silicon carbide produced via the classic Acheson process. In this high-temperature electric-resistance method, silica sand (SiO₂) reacts with a carbon source (typically petroleum coke or anthracite) at approximately 2000 °C+ to form SiC crystals. After cooling, the ingot is crushed, milled, and classified into precise particle-size fractions. Downstream conditioning—including magnetic separation, de-dusting, shape control, and surface treatment—prepares the grains for bonded, coated, or loose-abrasive applications. For micro-powders used in fine finishing, we apply additional classification to achieve narrow particle-size distributions with excellent D10/D50/D90 alignment.
Types of SiC Abrasives We Supply
Black Silicon Carbide (B-SiC, ~97–99% SiC) combines high hardness with superior toughness. It is the workhorse grade for heavy-duty grinding, general cutting, and blasting on metals, cast iron, and many non-metals. B-SiC stands out in coarse to medium FEPA ranges where impact resistance and throughput are priorities.
Green Silicon Carbide (G-SiC, ≥99% SiC) is a higher-purity, sharper, more friable grade optimized for fine finishing, lapping, and polishing—especially of hard, brittle substrates such as advanced ceramics, optical glass, and crystalline silicon. G-SiC excels in finer FEPA and micron sizes, where edge acuity and surface quality dominate performance criteria.
We deliver both grades in FEPA, JIS, and ANSI specifications, from macro grits (e.g., F12–F220) through micro-powders (e.g., F240–F1200 and sub-micron slurries), tailored to your tool system and process window.
Key Physical and Mechanical Properties
Silicon carbide’s application versatility stems from a combination of properties rarely found in one material:
Hardness (Mohs 9.2–9.5): SiC ranks just below diamond, cBN, and boron carbide, enabling the effective abrasion of hardened steels, carbides, technical ceramics, and glass.
Sharp, Angular Crystalline Structure: SiC grains present keen cutting edges and, under load, fracture to renew those edges, maintaining aggressive cutting with stable force requirements.
High Thermal Conductivity (~120 W/m·K typical): Efficient heat transport reduces thermal damage, burn, and distortion on temperature-sensitive workpieces during high-speed grinding or blasting.
Low Thermal Expansion and Good Thermal-Shock Tolerance: These parameters support dimensional stability in abrasive tools and refractory components exposed to rapid temperature swings.
Chemical and Oxidation Resistance: SiC resists many corrosive environments and maintains structural integrity in inert and some reducing atmospheres—beneficial for both processing and end-use conditions.
Moderate Density (~3.2 g/cm³): Lighter than many metallic media, SiC can reduce wear on blasting equipment and enable higher media velocities where required.
Electrical Conductivity: Unlike alumina, SiC is semiconducting, which can be advantageous for certain process monitoring or tooling concepts.
Applications in Blasting and Surface Preparation
For industrial blasting, SiC media is selected when productivity and precision matter—removing mill scale, rust, and coatings while imparting controlled surface profiles that improve coating adhesion or weld quality. The self-sharpening nature of SiC sustains cutting efficiency over multiple cycles, and the high thermal conductivity helps dissipate heat at the impact zone. In our customers’ field deployments, SiC has consistently demonstrated faster cleaning rates and fine, uniform anchor patterns versus softer media.
Typical Use Cases
• Rust and scale removal on bridges, steel structures, ships, and offshore components
• Refurbishment of industrial equipment and heavy machinery
• Pipeline and pressure-vessel exterior cleaning and pre-coat activation
• Precision pre-treatment before thermal spray or paint systems
Recommended FEPA Size Ranges for Blasting
| Process Type | Recommended FEPA Range |
|---|---|
| Heavy rust/scale removal | F16–F36 |
| General oxide removal | F36–F60 |
| Fine activation for coating | F80–F120 |
| Precision finishing / light peening | F150–F240 |
Applications in Grinding and Cutting
Silicon carbide is widely used in bonded wheels, segments, and cutting discs for dry or wet processing. Its keen edges and controlled friability deliver rapid stock removal with excellent form retention when shaping cast iron, tungsten carbide, ceramics, and glass. Compared with standard alumina in these difficult materials, SiC can provide faster cutting and cleaner surfaces, particularly in coarse to medium operations where chip formation favors sharp grain geometries.
Typical Use Cases
• Deburring and fettling of metal castings
• Profile grinding and form finishing of blades, drills, and wear parts
• Cutting and shaping of technical ceramics and specialty glass
Recommended FEPA Size Ranges for Grinding/Cutting
| Operation Type | Recommended FEPA Range |
|---|---|
| Coarse grinding / heavy cutting | F16–F36 |
| Medium grinding / general cutting | F40–F60 |
| Fine grinding / dressing | F80–F120 |
| Ultra-fine finishing | F150–F320+ |
Applications in Lapping, Polishing, and Honing
In micro-finishing, our SiC micro-powders are dispersed in slurries and pastes to achieve tight tolerance control and low-roughness surfaces. SiC’s fracture mechanics favor a steady renewal of micro-cutting asperities, producing predictable material removal rates (MRR) and consistent Ra/Rz outcomes across stainless steel, aluminum alloys, optical glass, and ceramics.
Typical Use Cases
• Polishing of metals (stainless steels, aluminum) and non-metals (glass, ceramics)
• Precision lapping of mechanical components for dimensional control
• High-spec finishing of aerospace parts—e.g., turbine housings and aluminum structures
Recommended FEPA Ranges by Process
| Process Type | Recommended FEPA Range |
|---|---|
| Primary grinding (before fine finish) | F46–F80 |
| Precision grinding | F100–F220 |
| Polishing / lapping | F240–F800 (and micron) |
| Honing (tool- or stone-based) | F150–F600 (and micron) |
Applications in Ceramics and Stone Processing
Hard, brittle materials demand abrasives with high edge retention and thermal control. Our customers use SiC across every stage—from cutting to edge finishing and glazing-prep—on porcelain, alumina, zirconia, engineered stone, marble, and granite. SiC’s combination of sharpness and heat dissipation reduces chipping and improves dimensional stability during contouring, slotting, and face finishing, particularly on vitrified or high-density phases where alumina may struggle.
Representative operations include beveling and edge finishing, slab cutting and profiling, as well as fine polishing of premium ceramics and stones used in architectural, chemical-process, and electronics settings.
Specialty Industrial and Metallurgical Uses
Beyond its role as an abrasive, silicon carbide serves as a robust raw material and functional additive:
• Refractory components: Kiln furniture, crucibles, nozzles, and furnace linings leverage SiC’s thermal-shock tolerance, conductivity, and oxidation resistance.
• Chemical-process equipment: SiC is applied in wear-resistant seals, bearings, and heat-exchanger components where corrosion and abrasion coexist.
• Metallurgical additive: In iron and steel foundries, SiC acts as a deoxidizer and carburizer, promoting cleaner melts, improved fluidity, and refined microstructures while helping reduce reliance on other alloy additions.
International Standards, Quality, and Compliance
Our silicon carbide products are manufactured within a quality framework aligned to international standards. Depending on customer and regional requirements, we supply documentation packages that typically include a Certificate of Analysis (COA), Safety Data Sheet (SDS), and Technical Data Sheet (TDS). We classify and test to FEPA, JIS, and ANSI specifications and reference relevant ASTM methods where applicable for physical indices and chemistry. Third-party inspection (e.g., SGS) can be arranged upon request, and we maintain strict incoming-to-outgoing QA procedures for consistent particle size, bulk density, magnetic content, and moisture/LOI.
Why Choose CanAbrasive as Your SiC Supplier
Since our founding, we have focused on reliable abrasive performance and stable long-term supply. Customers work with CanAbrasive for the following reasons:
• Capacity and continuity: Scalable production with rigorous process control supports ongoing, high-volume purchasing strategies.
• Factory-direct value: Competitive pricing for distributors and industrial users, with transparent specifications and batch-to-batch consistency.
• Global logistics: Shipment to dozens of countries with flexible Incoterms and responsive documentation support.
• Custom grading: Tight PSD windows and tailored blends for bonded, coated, and loose-abrasive systems—including micron-level powders.
• Technical partnership: Application guidance on media selection, wheel/belt pairing, and process optimization to hit targeted Ra, removal rates, and throughput metrics.
• Short lead times: Stock availability on common grades and make-to-order for specialty sizes.
Conclusion
Silicon carbide’s unique fusion of extreme hardness, sharp grain geometry, thermal conductivity, and chemical resilience explains its broad adoption across heavy industry and precision finishing alike. Whether you are stripping scale from structural steel, cutting advanced ceramics, or polishing glass to optical-grade finishes, SiC provides a repeatable, high-efficiency path to quality surfaces. By partnering with CanAbrasive, you gain access to consistent black and green SiC grades, tight sizing control, and technical support geared toward improving cycle times, finish quality, and total cost of ownership. For quotes, sampling, or specification matching, contact our team—we will align the right grade, grit, and delivery plan with your process objectives.
FAQ
Can silicon carbide abrasive be reused?
Yes. In many blasting and finishing systems, SiC can be recovered, screened, and reused multiple cycles if contamination is controlled and the retained particle-size range still matches your target profile. Media-recovery performance depends on operating pressure, substrate, impact angle, and dust-collection settings.
Is silicon carbide safe for high-temperature operations?
SiC exhibits excellent thermal stability, routinely tolerating temperatures that exceed typical abrasive process conditions. In grinding, cutting, and blasting, the primary safety considerations are dust exposure and heat generation at the work surface—both manageable through proper ventilation, PPE, and process parameters. Always follow your site’s safety and industrial-hygiene protocols.
What is the difference between green and black SiC?
Black SiC (≈97–99% SiC) is tougher and well suited to heavy grinding, general cutting, and blasting on metals and many non-metals. Green SiC (≥99% SiC) is sharper and more friable, making it ideal for fine lapping and polishing of hard, brittle materials such as ceramics, optical glass, and crystalline silicon.
Do you offer custom particle sizes or private-label packaging?
Yes. We provide custom grading, blend design, and OEM/white-label packaging to align with your product strategy, whether you are building bonded tools, coated abrasives, or distributing loose media. We can match FEPA/JIS/ANSI ranges or supply micron-level cuts with specified D10/D50/D90 targets.
Which industries benefit most from SiC abrasives?
Metal fabrication, foundry and steel, shipbuilding and infrastructure maintenance, advanced ceramics, optics and glass, automotive, and aerospace are among the largest users. Wherever hard-to-machine materials or critical surface finishes are required, SiC’s performance advantages tend to shine.
