Grit to Micron Calculator
Grit refers to the abrasiveness of a material, usually referring to abrasive materials such as sandpaper. It is a measure of the size of abrasive particles and is typically expressed in terms of a standardized scale such as the CAMI (Coated Abrasive Manufacturers Institute) scale or the FEPA (Fédération Européenne des Fabricants de Produits Abrasifs) scale.
The grit size of an abrasive material is determined by the number of abrasive particles per unit area. A larger grit number indicates a finer abrasive particle and a smoother finish, while a smaller grit number indicates a coarser abrasive particle and a rougher finish.
Grit sizes are used to classify abrasive materials and are often used to specify the appropriate abrasive for a particular application. For example, a lower grit number such as 40 or 60 would be used for heavy material removal, while a higher grit number such as 600 or 800 would be used for fine finishing.
Grit size can be measured by various methods like, sieve method, sedimentation method, microscopy method and more. The most common method is the sieve method where abrasive particles are passed through a series of sieves with progressively finer openings. The particle size distribution of abrasive is determined by measuring the mass or number of particles retained on each sieve.
The formula for converting grit to microns is not a straightforward calculation, as the relationship between grit and micron size can vary depending on the specific application and type of abrasive material.
A general rule of thumb for converting grit to microns is to divide the grit value by 120. For example, a grit of 80 would be approximately 0.67 microns (80/120). However, this method is not always accurate and should be used with caution.
Another method is to consult a conversion chart or reference table that provides specific micron values for different grit sizes. These charts can be found online or in technical publications. It is important to note that some abrasive materials may have different size distributions than others, so it is important to consult the manufacturer’s specifications for the specific product you are using.