CERAMIC Sanding belts

[Philipintexas]

I do lots of sanding to remove powder-coat from 6061 Aluminum. I go through lots of belts but recently encountered some ceramic versions. They cost a good bit more but really cut through the powder-coat much faster than the old variety. Seems like they stay sharp and cut quicker for an extended time. I have no interest, just passing along a tip if you use sanding belts.

 

[mc_n_g]

Out of curiosity, have you tried zirconia alumina belts? Cost is only slightly higher than standard belts and last longer.
I have had good luck with them on aluminum, steels, and stainless.
They should be cheaper than ceramic based belts.

 

[Philipintexas]

If they are the blue color ones, yes I have but didn't find them much better than the standard ones.

 

[bazmak]

The problem is not the paint hardness but the fact they clog up

 

[Kerrin Galvin]

Hi,
Why not buy powder coat stripper?
Check out the powder coat suppliers I'm sure I've seen it on at least a couple of there sites

Cheers Kerrin

 

[ROB 123]

I powder coat and now and then get a reject ,I save them all up and then strip them using Starchem synstryp paint stripper .

This really works fast and the powder just slips off often in 1 piece .
care should be taken as it soon burns if you get it on you.

Rob.

 

[MachineTom]

There is a tool called a belt cleaner. it is really a like a big eraser,very gummy. I am on my 3rd belt cleaner in 40 years. This may be the first I ever wear out.
It has 3 layers of rubber, and cleans a belt in seconds. The stick is about 1.25 square, and 8" long. SWARF coming off is little beads of rubber, but want a great job it does cleaning the belt. Only replace belts when they are worn out, not clogged.

 

[Philipintexas]

My sanding is to remove the powder coat on raised areas to give a two-tone effect. The powder coat material does tend to gum up the grit and I have the belt cleaner that helps. I tried masking areas before coating but that takes longer than removing it afterwards. I have stripped my screw-ups with paint remover but fortunately I have very few.

It seems the Ceramic belts don't gum up as bad because they cut through the PC before they have time to heat up.