Are you looking for the right fused alumina for your project? With so many types and grades available, choosing the right product can be challenging. In this guide, we'll take a closer look at the differences between white, black, and brown fused alumina and help you choose the right product for your needs.
The difference
Color
The most obvious difference between white, black and brown corundum is their color. White corundum is white or off-white, black corundum is black or dark gray, and brown corundum is brown or tan. This color difference is caused by impurities present in the aluminum oxide before it melts and fuses.
Hardness
Another important property of corundum is its hardness. White corundum is the hardest of the three types of corundum, followed by brown and black corundum. This makes white corundum ideal for applications requiring high wear resistance, such as cutting tools and Grinding wheels.
Crystal structure
The crystal structure of fused alumina also varies depending on the type. White corundum has a hexagonal crystal structure, while brown corundum has a triangular crystal structure. Black corundum has an amorphous structure, which means it does not have a clear crystal tructure.
Manufacturing process
The manufacturing processes for the three types of fused alumina are similar. The aluminum oxide is first processed to remove any impurities and then melted at high temperatures. The molten aluminum oxide is then cooled and solidified to form a crystal structure. The difference between these three types of fused alumina is the type and amount of impurities present in the starting material.
White corundum is made of pure aluminum oxide, while brown corundum contains impurities such as titanium dioxide and iron oxide. Black corundum is made from a mixture of aluminum oxide, iron filings and coal.
Application areas
- White corundum is mainly used in high-performance grinding wheels and cutting tools. It is also used in sandblasting applications and as a refractory material.
- Brown corundum is used in grinding wheels, sandpaper and other abrasive products. It is also used in refractory materials such as furnace linings and kiln furniture.
- Black corundum is primarily used in sandblasting applications and in the production of resin bonded grinding wheels.
Which one is right for you?
The choice of fused alumina depends on a variety of factors, including the application, the material being processed, and the surface treatment required.
- If you need a high-purity material for cutting and polishing, white corundum is the best choice.
- If you need a tougher material for surface treatment, sandblasting and polishing, black corundum is the right choice.
- Brown corundum is ideal if you need a medium-hard material for grinding, cutting and polishing.
The choice of fused alumina depends on the application and desired results. By understanding the differences between white corundum, black corundum, and brown corundum, you can choose the one that suits your needs. Contact us today to learn more about these materials and how they can benefit your project.
