Norton SG Blaze R981 belts have a “supersize” lubricant and a grinding aid for faster and cooler cutting, along with self-sharpening ceramic aluminum oxide for longer belt life. Portable belts are used with portable belt sanders.

Coated abrasives have individual abrasive grains spaced at a predetermined distance from one another. This is a closed-coat belt. A closed coat covers 100 percent of the surface with abrasive grains, for more stiffness and better surface finish than an equivalent open coat, where abrasive grit covers 50 to 70 percent of the surface. The cloth backing is stiffer, tougher, and thicker than a paper backing. Cloth resists tearing while bending and flexing during use. This belt features a resin bond. Resin bonds have good moisture resistance, are harder and less flexible than glue bonds, and have good heat resistance and grain retention. Resin bonds are useful for abrasive operations with high operating speeds, impact, and sudden loading, as the resin bond is strong.

Ceramic aluminum oxide is tougher than aluminum oxide, and is self-sharpening. It is formed in a process where alumina gel is dried and then crushed. These engineered crystals fracture and refracture at fine levels, to form a smooth, self-sharpening abrasive material. Ceramic aluminum oxide is most commonly used for medium-to-high material removal on metals.

Abrasives are used for a variety of applications from shaping a part to fine finishing, depending on the grit size. Low grit numbers like 40 are coarse and are used for removing excess material and shaping a part. High grit numbers like 400 are fine and help to create a smooth surface finish.

Norton Abrasives manufactures a wide variety of sanding, grinding, and polishing abrasives, and has been located in the United States since 1885. In 1990, Saint-Gobain purchased Norton, keeping its manufacturing facilities and offices in the same location. Norton/Saint-Gobain has been recognized as a Global 100 Sustainable Company, as well as earning ISO 9000 and 14001 certification for quality and environmental management standards.