Friday, March 31, 2017

The Rise of KSK+

Ceramic PLUS (KSK+) is the very latest in high-performing ceramic grain products from VSM abrasives. With an increase in stock removal of up to 30%, grinding performance is significantly better when compared to traditional ceramic grain products. 



 Advantages

Significant performance advantages include a higher stock removal rate at faster cutting speeds with a lower grinding temperature and less friction. This correlates to shorter cycle times and less changeovers, resulting in reduced cost per part and an excellent cost/performance ratio.

 Grain Structure

Thanks to a new in-house manufacturing technique, the KSK+ grain exhibits a much finer microcrystalline structure. This advanced composition allows for a more defined mineral fracture, providing the abrasive product with longer life and more aggressive (sharper) grains.




In addition, the Ceramic Plus line is top-sized. A top-sized product can positively impact the workpiece through a reduction in metal discoloration/oxidation, as well as minimal heat related stress cracks. It can also benefit the abrasive through reduced loading, glazing and dulling.


 Product Line

The new Ceramic Plus product line includes XK885T, XK885Y, XK880Y and XF885. Available in grit sizes of 20 to 120, this material can be made into file belts, narrow belts, wide belts and fiber discs for a range of applications. 


 Applications

Typical applications may include hand-held machines, backstand operations, cylindrical grinding and flat surface grinding processes. Expect significantly improved grinding performance and better surface finish on steel and titanium alloys, brass, bronze, copper and aluminum substrates. 

 Test Results

Numerous tests have been performed on-location with customers, as well as in VSM's International Technical Center (located in Hanover, Germany). 

With over 500 field tests* completed, KSK+ has proven an excellent alternative to 3M Cubitron II™. In 70% of the tests performed, KSK+ performed equal to or better than the competition. Additionally, customers enjoyed an average of 30% cost savings, creating a great price-performance value. 

*Application tests were performed on Stainless Steel, Carbon Steel and Alloy Steels using KSK+ belts and discs. Results were compared to those of competitive products in the same application.
 Real-World Success

A large aerospace manufacturer in the Southeast was using Norton Blaze R980 to remove gates on Inconel castings. However, after learning of VSM's XK885Y material, the manufacturer requested a paid trial. After a series of tests, the manufacturer reported an increase of 190-305% more ground parts with XK885Y along with improved service life. In a separate finishing process, the same manufacturer elected to test VSM's XK885Y against 3M's Cubitron 977F. The XK885Y matched performance, but excelled in price. In the end, the customer was satisfied with both increased productivity and cost effectiveness to switch suppliers.

A large distributor in the Southwest presented one of their aerospace customers with XF885 as an alternative to their current supplier. In cooperation with the manufacturer, the distributor tested VSM's XF885 material against Norton Red Heat 981 and Norton Blaze F980 on stainless steel and titanium fixtures. The result was a 40% increase in overall performance.

Similarly, the same distributor asked a metal fabrication job shop to test VSM's XF885 material against 3M Cubitron II 985C. In terms of weld removal and blending, performance was even but the cost savings was a major incentive to switch to VSM abrasives.  

 Testimonials

"We can take XF885 in against Zirconia blends and beat them on performance and still be cost competitive. We have had success vs. both Norton and 3M ceramic...It has performed well in both cold roll and stainless accounts." - Don C.


"Tremendous success testing against 3M and Norton. The XF885 disc is a solid ceramic product with no drawbacks." - Steve B.