Why Proper Storage Matters

One of the most important factors when working with coated abrasives is the storage and handling. When you want your products working in their peak condition it is important that they are handled and stored properly. Poor storage can create safety issues and decrease the useful life of the abrasive.

Coated abrasives like, resin fiber discs, require a little more special attention to their storage as their backings and adhesives are sensitive to climate changes and will pick up or lose moisture depending upon their environment.

The efficiency of coated abrasives increases as moisture decreases. However, if you allow your coated abrasive or resin fiber disc to become too dry, you can encounter issues such as curling or brittleness. As the abrasive dries out, you will see increased difficulties in handling.

Ideal Resin Fiber Disc Storage and Handling:

The ideal storage environment to ensure maximized performance levels of resin fiber discs and other coated abrasives would be a humidity range of 40-50% and a consistent temperature of 70-75°F (21-24°C). Keeping your stock inside and away from any direct vents, inlets, radiators, etc. will help maintain the life of your product.

• Resin fiber discs and other coated abrasives should be kept sealed and in a closed carton or storage box until the product is going to be used.
• Cartons, boxes, and wrapped rolls should be left intact until product is needed.
• Store cartons, boxes, and wrapped rolls flat, not upright, to prevent warping.

      

Storing unused supplies properly eliminates unnecessary spending, unnecessary safety hazards, and maximizes the life of your product! Proper storage saves money every year!

Examining Your Resin Fiber Discs for Signs of Poor Storage Conditions:

Loading and Burned Surfaces

Excessive humidity may show up with softening of glue bonds, resin coatings, and filling materials used in cloth finishing. This causes abrasive grains to be pushed into the backing rather than penetrate the object being worked upon.

As you use the abrasive discs, the friction heat will build up and further soften the bond. The surface of the disc will then start loading quickly and burn the object that is being worked on. In cases of prolonged exposure to high humid conditions, performance can drop as much as 50% on the life of the product.

Cracking or Fracturing

Storing resin fiber discs in an environment that is too dry can cause cracks on the surface of the discs. At this point, they may be too brittle to perform well and be a safety hazard.

Warped/Curled Resin Fiber Discs

Cloth backed resin fiber discs can retain moisture and curl toward the grain becoming temporarily unusable.

Excessive dryness may cause the discs to lose flexibility, which creates handling difficulties. Cloth-backed discs may also curl away from the grain if they lose too much moisture.

Fixing Warped or Curled Discs

A curled or curved resin fiber disc is not necessarily lost!

When you receive your fiber discs in the mail, sometimes changes in climate during shipping can cause them to slightly curl. If you have curled discs or ones that have a slight curve they are not unusable. It is a very easy fix.

Unless they are excessively curled, in most cases they will flatten out when they are installed to the proper rubber backing pad. Enough pressure from the nut will cause the disc to flatten out and become usable again.

You can also store them flat and place some weight upon it, allowing the curled fiber discs to flatten out before use. It is the same technique to flattening out a rolled up rug.

It is important to test your discs for brittleness and other safety issues as mentioned above. If you aren't sure of the age and it does feel overly brittle, we always recommend choosing safety first and discard old or questionable discs. It is important to provide yourself with a safe work environment. 

Alternative Storage Solutions in Less than Ideal Conditions:

If you cannot provide your resin fiber discs or other coated abrasives with the ideal storage solution, consider using a spindle to keep resin fiber discs flat. They are also relatively easy to fabricate on your own as well. To prevent discs from curling or warping, you can add some pressure to the top of the stack with a weighted plate or a clamp to keep them flat.

Buy Quality and Get Expert Advice

Buying your products from a trusted source is always important. We at Empire Abrasives pride ourselves in not just our customer service but also providing quality products. All of our resin fiber discs and abrasive products are stored in a climate controlled warehouse, and we regularly cycle through our inventory to avoid having old discs.

Chat With Our Team of experts

Not completely positive about an old disc? Not sure what you need for a project? Chat with one of our experts today. We are always happy to help our customers. Find our chat on the bottom right corner of our website. You can also fill out or contact form or call us at 1-800-816-3824

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What should I do if I don't have a climate-controlled storage area?

• If you cannot provide ideal storage conditions, consider using a spindle to keep resin fiber discs flat and apply gentle pressure with a weighted plate to minimize warping. Store them away from direct vents or radiators to prevent rapid moisture changes.

Q: How long can I store resin fiber discs before they expire?

• Resin fiber discs, when stored properly in ideal conditions, can last for several years. However, if exposed to extreme moisture or dryness, their performance may degrade more quickly. Always inspect discs for brittleness or curling before use.

Q: How can I fix a curled resin fiber disc?

• Slightly curled discs can often be flattened out by installing them on the proper rubber backing pad and applying enough pressure. Alternatively, store the discs flat with some weight on top to allow them to straighten out.

Q: Can I still use a disc if it has small cracks?

• No, if a resin fiber disc has cracks, it is recommended to discard it. Cracks indicate that the disc has become brittle and could pose a safety risk during use.

Q: What are the signs that my resin fiber disc is no longer safe to use?

• Signs of an unsafe disc include excessive curling, cracking, discoloration, or an unusual odor. If the disc feels brittle or shows any of these signs, it is best to discard it to ensure safety.