Diamond fickert grit selection depends on stone hardness, slab surface condition and production line setup.
36#, 46#, 60# (Coarse Grinding / Calibrating) For rough leveling granite slabs, remove saw marks & unevenness. Ideal for hard stones like granite, engineered quartz. Not recommended for soft marble.
80#, 100#, 120# (Medium Coarse Grinding) The most widely used starting grit for marble and normal granite. Removes coarse scratches and homogenizes slab surface.
150#, 180#, 220# (Fine Grinding) Final metal bond grinding step, creates fine uniform texture, ready for subsequent resin fickert or magnesite polishing.
Standard Sequence Reference
- Granite: 46# →80# →120# →180#
- Marble: 80# →120# →180#
Tip: Always grind from coarse to fine grit. Skipping multiple grit sizes will leave persistent scratches that cannot be removed in later polishing stages.
Five Key Factors Determining Grit Selection
1. Stone Hardness (Primary Factor)
- Hard materials (granite, quartz): Coarser grits (36#, 46#) can be used to prioritize removal efficiency.
- Soft materials (marble, travertine): Avoid ultra-coarse grits; start at 80# or higher to prevent deep scratches.
2. Initial Condition of the Raw Slab
- Significant saw marks or unevenness (high/low spots) after sawing: Start with coarse grinding at 36#/46#.
- Flat slabs with only minor saw marks: Start directly at 60#/80# to boost productivity and reduce consumable usage.
3. Equipment Parameters
- Heavy-duty, high-pressure, multi-head continuous automatic grinders: Coarser grits can be used.
- Lightweight grinders with low pressure: Prioritize slightly finer grits to prevent the grinding blocks from slipping without cutting.
4. Number of Grinding Heads and Conveyor Speed
Few grinding heads and high conveyor speed: Minimize grit-skipping; use smaller increments between grit sizes.
Ample grinding heads: Follow a standard progression (e.g., 46→80→120→180) for a gradual transition.
5. Requirements for Subsequent Polishing
If the polishing abrasives used in later stages have limited cutting power, the final metal grinding step should ideally reach 180# rather than stopping at 120#; otherwise, coarse scratch marks will be difficult to remove, resulting in haze or scratches on the finished product.
With 20 years of manufacturing experience, Cheefung produces diamond abrasive blocks. In addition to offering standard grit sizes (36#–220#) from stock, the company customizes bond formulations based on specific stone types, grinding machine speeds, and local processing techniques. Cheefung develops tailored solutions that balance cutting sharpness and wear resistance for major stone varieties found in markets such as Brazil, Turkey, the US, and India (including grey granite, marble, and engineered quartz). The company supports sample testing and assists clients in optimizing grit sequences across the entire production line to reduce overall abrasive consumption.