Norton R980 SG Blaze ceramic aluminum oxide discs have sturdy 3-ply laminate construction and long-lasting ceramic aluminum oxide for an aggressive cut and a longer life than a 1-ply disc. The self-lubricating ”supersize” treatment helps cut cooler and improve workpiece finish.

Coated abrasives have individual abrasive grains spaced at a predetermined distance from one another. This is a closed-coat disc. 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. "Supersize" lubricant extends abrasive life by creating less heat at operation than an unlubricated abrasive. The lubricant also helps cut faster for an improved workpiece finish. The cloth backing is stiffer, tougher, and thicker than a paper or film backing. Cloth resists tearing while bending and flexing during use. The Speed-Lok quick-change system allows for easy disc mounting and removal to increase productivity by reducing the time required to change discs. This disc is suitable for use with a die grinder or orbital sander. Use with molded-rubber back up pads on a grinder. Use a hard pad for aggressive cutting, a medium pad for general-purpose applications, or a soft pad for contours and fine finishing work. Or, with a random orbital sander, use a foam back-up pad to match the application. Foam pads come in different combinations of shape and density for finer or more aggressive work. For example, use a low profile for uniform contact with the work surface, a tapered edge for small contours or inside corners, soft density for 320 grit and finer sanding, or medium density for grits coarser than 320.

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.