L140 and L170 are two common series of abrasive blocks used in the stone processing industry; they are also frequently referred to as T1 and T2. The designations indicate their specifications: L140 (length of approximately 140 mm) and L170 (length of approximately 170 mm).
(L140 and L170 Metal Bond Diamond fickert)
L140 vs L170 Fickert-which should I use?
The choice between L140 and L170 diamond abrasive blocks depends primarily on matching the grinding head base of your polishing machine and your production line configuration. While there is no fundamental difference in grinding principles between the two, the difference in dimensions directly affects installation compatibility, grinding coverage, and suitability for specific applications. In scenarios where high gloss is a priority, L170 blocks are often preferred.
L140 vs. L170: Key Differences
| Comparison Dimension | L140 (T1) |
L170 (T2) |
| Standard Length | 140 mm (Typical effective length: 133 mm) | 170 mm (Typical effective length: 164 mm) |
| Typical Width | Approx. 56 mm | Approx. 56 – 62 mm |
| Typical Height/Thickness | 11 mm / 15 mm / 17 mm |
15 mm / 20 mm / 27 mm |
| Common use | Granite, ceramic, many conventional lines | High-speed/heavy-duty lines and large slabs |
| Typical advantage | Broad compatibility and easier availability | Larger working footprint / suited to higher-throughput lines |
| Metal Bond Grit Range | 24# – 240# | 24# – 240# |
| Resin Bond Grit Range | 180# – 3000# |
180# – 5000# |
| Water Channel Design (Common) | Narrow channel | Recessed width (wider channel) |
| Core Positioning | General-purpose standard type; compatible with standard grinding heads on the vast majority of polishing lines |
Enhanced/High-coverage type; for specific grinding heads or applications requiring higher processing efficiency. |
| Main consideration | Must match holder | Must match holder |
* Current product specifications show L140 around 133–140 mm long and L170 around 164–170 mm, depending on the manufacturer's exact base design.
* Regarding the thickness of resin-bonded abrasive blocks, Cheefung has developed and manufactures 20+5 and 25+5 specifications; these offer more abrasive material at no extra cost and provide a longer service life.
How to Choose: Three Key Decision Points
1. Primary Principle: Grinding Head Base Compatibility (Most Critical)
This is the most important factor in your decision. L140 and L170 are essentially size designations designed for different grinding head holders. Before switching suppliers or trying new specifications, be sure to measure the mounting dimensions of your existing grinding heads or provide the technical drawings to the supplier for verification. Mixing incompatible types can lead to installation failures or uneven grinding.
2. Selection Based on Processing Needs
Choose L140 when:
- Your polishing machine uses the standard L140 specification.
- You are processing standard granite or marble and do not require extreme processing speeds.
- Fine grinding and polishing are required; resin-bonded L140 segments (with grit sizes up to #3000) are sufficient for the task.
Choose L170 when:
- Your polishing machine uses the **L170 specification** (or has been modified to accommodate it).
- Higher processing efficiency is required. At the same linear speed, the longer grinding segments cover a larger surface area per unit of time, making them ideal for rapid rough and medium grinding of large slabs.
- You are processing hard materials like engineered quartz or aiming for a superior final gloss finish. Some L170 resin segments are available in grits up to #5000, enabling finer polishing.
- The equipment has high power output and can handle the greater grinding resistance associated with L170 segments.
3. Cost Considerations
Generally, L170 segments have a higher unit purchase price than L140 segments due to their larger size and greater material usage. However, when considering the total processing cost (grinding cost per unit area of stone), L170 may offer better cost-efficiency if it significantly boosts production line throughput and reduces downtime for segment changes. A comprehensive assessment based on your production volume and equipment capabilities is recommended.
For granite polishing
A practical rule is:
L140 → choose it when your existing line uses L140/T1.
L170 → choose it when your line uses L170/T2 and is configured for the longer block.
Both sizes are available in metal- and resin-bond versions for granite polishing; suppliers list comparable grit ranges for both formats
Best buying practice: check the machine model, holder/locking profile, actual Fickert dimensions, thickness/working layer, and whether you're buying metal, magnesite, composite or resin bond before ordering.
Key Points for Use and Installation
Regardless of the specification chosen, correct usage is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
Before Installation: Thorough Inspection and Cleaning
- Verify that the height and grit size of all grinding segments are consistent; mixing segments of different heights or grits is strictly prohibited, as it leads to uneven grinding.
- Thoroughly clean the grinding head base and the back of the segments to remove any debris or residue, ensuring a flat and secure fit.
01
During Installation: Ensure Correct Orientation
Pay attention to the rotation direction marked on the segments; they must be installed in the specified direction. Reverse installation severely compromises grinding efficiency and segment lifespan.
02
During Operation: Ensure Cooling and Balanced Pressure
- Maintain an adequate flow of cooling water. Insufficient water or water pooling reduces efficiency and can even burn the segments or damage the stone surface.
- Keep the grinding face of the segments perfectly parallel to the stone surface.
- Avoid tilting, which causes uneven grinding and leads to premature, localized wear on the segments.
03
Grit Sequence: Follow the Order, Do Not Skip Steps
Grind sequentially from coarse to fine grits. For example, a typical metal segment sequence might be 46# → 80# → 120# → 180#.Skipping steps leaves deep, hard-to-remove scratches on the stone surface, making subsequent polishing more difficult..
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Cheefung CO.,LTD. specializes in the R&D and manufacturing of diamond Fickert & Frankfurt abrasive blocks. Backed by extensive experience and consistent performance, these products are best-sellers in markets such as Brazil, India, Russia, the Middle East, and beyond, earning high praise from numerous customers. The company is a renowned and outstanding Chinese supplier of stone abrasives and diamond Fickert & Frankfurt abrasive blocks.
💎 Summary
When choosing between the L140 and L170, the first step is to confirm your grinding head fixture model. If compatible, the L170 offers advantages for processing large slabs and maximizing efficiency; if versatility and flexibility are the priorities, the L140 is the safer choice. Before making a final decision, it is best to provide your supplier with details regarding your grinding head dimensions, the type of stone to be processed, and the target gloss level to receive a tailored recommendation.