Correct Storage Methods for Abrasive Belt

We commonly encounter abrasive belts which are prone to problems during use. These problems can be divided into three categories: poor quality of the abrasive belts themselves, improper use, and poor storage conditions before use. In order to better utilize the superior grinding capabilities of abrasive belts and ensure that they are in optimal condition during use, this article will introduce some knowledge about abrasive belt storage.

Temperature and Humidity Requirements

The ideal temperature is 18℃-22℃ and the ideal humidity is 40%-65%. Sanding belts should not be stored in places where the temperature and humidity fluctuate greatly. High temperatures cause the bonding agent to age, reducing the lifespan of the abrasive belt. Synthetic fiber-based abrasive belts (such as polyester cloth abrasive belts) are sensitive to cold and should not be stored in cold warehouses. Excessive humidity or low humidity will cause deformation of the abrasive material in the abrasive belt, reducing the bonding strength of the sand layer. High humidity in particular has a severe impact on paper-based abrasive belts, causing them to curl and making grinding particles easily stick to the coating surface, greatly reducing the lifespan of the abrasive belt. Except for water-resistant abrasive belts, abrasive belts that have become damp are generally unusable due to bending or wrinkling, and abrasive particles will easily adhere to the surface, further reducing the lifespan of the abrasive belt.

Abrasive Belt Position Requirements

The storage location of abrasive belts should be cool, dry, and well-ventilated. Sanding belts should be placed on shelves and not on the floor. The distance between the shelves and the ground and walls should be around 200-500mm, and they should also be kept away from heating and drainage devices. Unopened packaging for abrasive belts should be maintained whenever possible to prevent distortion or cracking that could render the abrasive belt unusable. Heavy objects should not be stacked on the packaging boxes of abrasive belts to avoid creases and cracks in the abrasive belts.

Abrasive Belt Storage Precautions

If abrasive belt is stored in places with high indoor humidity for too long, excessive moisture absorption may cause bending. The bending toward the sanding surface is due to the difference in moisture absorption between the bonding agent layer and the substrate. The substrate absorbs more moisture, causing it to expand. If moisture continues to be absorbed and the temperature rises, mold may develop, rendering the abrasive material in the abrasive belt unusable. Conversely, if the storage location is too dry, the water content of the product will evaporate excessively, causing the substrate to contract and bend towards the base. When this happens, the abrasive belt becomes brittle and easily cracks. Therefore, sanding materials such as sand cloth should be stored in cool, dry, and well-ventilated warehouses. The best storage conditions are a temperature of 15℃-20℃ and a relative humidity of 50%-60%.

In addition, abrasive belt should not be unpacked or opened prematurely before use. It is best to open it as needed, preferably no more than two days before use. Packaged abrasive belt should not be subjected to heavy pressure, as this may cause creases that render the abrasive belt unusable. Semi-resin and animal glue abrasive belts should not typically be stored for more than one year, and abrasive belt in general should not be stored for more than two years. If the abrasive belt has not been used by the expiration date, it should be inspected again to ensure that it can be used safely. Finally, abrasive belt should be sent to the job site 2-3 days in advance and hung up to acclimatize to the temperature and humidity of the work environment and to eliminate or reduce any bending caused by packaging or coiling.