The Performance Of Seeded Gel Abrasive In Lab

Seeded gel, a high-alumina abrasive, has been evaluated in the research laboratory and on operations in customer plants under both dry and wet conditions. In the lab, 52100 ball bearing steel, M7 tool steel, and INCO 718 were ground using water-based coolants, oil, and a new synthetic washable coolant, used undiluted. Seeded gel (SG) was used alone and blended with conventional abrasives and both products show interesting characteristics. In field tests, hardened gears, 5160 steel, INCO 718, T15, M4Z, and M50 were ground under wet and dry conditions. The advantages for seeded gel over conventional abrasives improve at higher metal removal rates since its submicron particle size resists higher forces much better. Reduced wear, more parts-per-dress, more parts-per-wheel, and higher g-ratios at higher removal rates show the tremendous potential of this new abrasive.