CONSTRUCTION projects range from large scale green energy installations, to smaller at home DIY and general maintenance projects with a further classification into buildings, infrastructure and industrial construction. Advances in science and technology have resulted in improved materials being utilised, as well as new composites and hybrid materials.
Hybrid materials are now being used in electronics, mechanics, energy conversion and storage as well as self-healing coatings for corrosion control paints. Hybrid construction methods also involve utilising multiple material types (such as wood, steel, glass) in new and unconventional ways. Composite materials provide several benefits (depending on the project requirement), such as a higher strength to weight ratio. Ceramic, carbon, and polymer composites are becoming very popular in the green energy generation, aircraft and aerospace, civil and general construction, as well as automotive industries.
The focus on occupational health and safety is now more than ever in the spotlight, which highlights the need for correct product selection to ensure a safe working environment.
The general lack of infrastructure projects, long process of contracts being approved and awarded, and pandemic induced factors means that more value is now required out of previously over-looked costs – consumables such as abrasives being an example. It is easy to find an abrasive product, but the question to ask is what kind of result is required.
Grinding Techniques, as a local manufacturer and supplier of premium abrasive solutions, is at the forefront of product development suited to these changing conditions. Constant testing and development are required to ensure that these new age materials are processed within the required tolerances and at an economical rate. Ceramic grains and super abrasives (diamond and CBN) are becoming the popular choice, but proper training and education is required to ensure that operators understand the differences, and correct, safe usages of these products. The loss of skilled workers over the years has seen a higher percentage of unskilled workers operating on construction projects. With this in mind, Grinding Techniques attempts to mitigate some of this risk by offering training programmes at retail and informal market levels.
True “Value for Money” abrasives are tailored to optimise any construction project, such as the Superflex Professional range of cutting and grinding discs which will help to reduce material wastage, reduce overall working time, and provide a better finished product. Superflex and Andor diamond saw blades are optimised for construction material applications while ceramic coated abrasive products (such as sanding discs and belts) for stainless steels and other difficult to work materials, provide superior results.
The introduction of cordless power tools on construction sites have brought about new dynamic in cutting and grinding, meaning that abrasive products need to be optimised to retain the best possible balance of performance for these machines. Grinding Techniques can assist in selecting the correct abrasive product for the application.
The global shift towards renewable energy and energy saving projects encompasses abrasive products that reduce operating time, speed up processes and reduce waste – all adding to the greening process of the construction industry. It may only be a small part to play, but the sum of all small changes can and will add up to a major shift in the right direction.
Grinding Techniques is equipped to assist in every phase of a construction project to ensure that product selection is optimised to meet these goals.
