Surface conditioning, or three-dimensional abrasive media, provides a means of producing uniform finishes and is used in the intermediate operations between heavy grinding or dimensioning and final buffing, plating, or application of coatings. The media are made from three basic materials: fiber, resin, and abrasive mineral (Fig. 1). These components are oriented in a manner that allows the mineral to follow along a surface in a springlike action. One of the major advantages of this type of construction is controlled cut, the ability of an abrasive media to follow over contours, removing only surface contaminants and small amounts of the substrate material. Low-density abrasives can deburr, clean, and finish surfaces without changing the geometry of the part. Production requirements, such as rate of cut and surface roughness, can be regulated by varying the rotational speeds and pressures.
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