The use of a nylon abrasive brush is well-established for edge prep. Nylon is perfect for removing a dull edge. It is also a safe tool that can be effectively used by practically anyone after a short introduction. Nylon is also known for being visually useful because the user will be able to see the breakdown of a brush in diameter and density, making it easier to see the breakdown of mass finishing materials.

Beyond Nylon

There are times when a nylon brush is not the best tool for the job. Edge prep results can be as small as .0002” and up to .005”. Larger areas needing edge prep typically require the brush to be in contact with the tool for a longer amount of time. Extended contact ultimately creates more wear in the brush. This is a case when a nylon brush is not the best tool for the job.

Harder Surface

MET creates brushes that are specific to several edge prep needs. To produce consistent, predictable and satisfactory results, it’s important to match the right edge prep tool to the job. If you’re looking for non-nylon edge prep options, consider diamond and silicon carbide brushes for use with soft materials. The application of abrasive materials in different volumes can create a brush surface that’s more abrasive or less abrasive.

Each MET brush contains a combination of nylon and another abrasive material, extruding filaments from the mix. By applying different volumes of abrasive materials, MET can customize the abrasiveness. This adjustment lets manufacturers choose how aggressive, or how abrasive, each brush’s filaments should be for the intended job. MET offers manufacturers filaments with options for size, shape and abrasiveness.

Ceramic – Slightly more expensive than silicon carbide, ceramic is the ticket when you require an aggressive cut rate. Many choose ceramic to rough a surface and then follow up with a diamond or silicon carbide brush to finish.

Diamond – Diamond brushes deliver a swift cut rate, long life and a surface finish that’s excellent. Consider a diamond edge prep tool when looking to hone the edges of hard materials. This could include anything from ceramic and carbide to polycrystalline diamond. Depending on the desired application and edge prep needs, you can choose from a variety of grit sizes.

Silicon Carbide – Many consider silicon carbide to be the go-to when it comes to a non-nylon brush alternative. The effective application is versatile and good for rough and finish edge prep projects. As edge prep increases in size, MET recommends starting with a coarse brush and then moving on to a finer finish brush. You can find silicon carbide brushes in a variety of filament diameters, grit sizes and trim lengths.

Maximal Results, Minimal Effort

When choosing edge prep, consider first the need and then the budget. Over time, the cost of a reliable edge prep program pays for itself. MET edge prep solutions can help you keep productivity high and costs down.