Introduction

Silicon carbide grit is widely used for grinding, sandblasting, polishing, surface preparation, and other abrasive applications. However, choosing the correct silicon carbide grit size is essential for achieving the desired cutting performance and surface finish.

Silicon carbide abrasives are available in a wide range of grit sizes, from coarse particles for heavy material removal to fine powders for precision polishing. The appropriate grit depends on the material being processed, the required surface finish, and the specific abrasive application.

This guide explains silicon carbide grit sizes, their typical applications, and how to select the right SiC grit for grinding, blasting, polishing, and surface treatment.

What Is Silicon Carbide Grit?

Silicon carbide grit refers to crushed and processed silicon carbide particles classified according to particle size.

Unlike a larger block or lump of silicon carbide, abrasive grit consists of individual particles that can be separated into different size ranges.

Silicon carbide grit is commonly available in standards such as:

• FEPA
• JIS
• ANSI
• Mesh
• Micron size

The larger the abrasive particle, the more aggressive the cutting action generally is. Smaller particles provide a finer and smoother surface finish.

Silicon Carbide Grit Size Chart

Silicon Carbide Grit	Typical Application
#16	Heavy-duty grinding, aggressive blasting
#24	Rust removal, heavy surface preparation
#36	Grinding, stone processing
#46	General grinding and blasting
#60	Metal surface preparation, grinding
#80	General blasting and finishing
#100	Surface cleaning and finishing
#120	Fine grinding and surface preparation
#180	Fine grinding
#220	Fine surface finishing
#320	Precision grinding
#400	Fine grinding and polishing preparation
#600	Precision polishing
#800	Fine polishing
#1000	Precision finishing
#1200	Fine polishing
#1500	Ultra-fine finishing
#2000	Precision polishing

Coarse Silicon Carbide Grit: #16–#36

Coarse silicon carbide grit is mainly used when fast material removal is more important than achieving a smooth surface.

Typical applications include:

• Heavy grinding
• Rust removal
• Paint removal
• Stone processing
• Aggressive sandblasting
• Surface preparation

Common sizes include:

#16, #24 and #36.

Black silicon carbide is commonly selected for these general-purpose abrasive applications because of its toughness and strong cutting performance.

Medium Silicon Carbide Grit: #46–#120

Medium grit provides a balance between cutting efficiency and surface finish.

Common applications include:

• Metal grinding
• Sandblasting
• Surface cleaning
• Coating preparation
• Tool sharpening
• General abrasive processing

Popular sizes include:

#46, #60, #80, #100 and #120.

For example, silicon carbide 60 grit can be used where relatively aggressive cutting is required while maintaining better surface control than very coarse grit.

Fine Silicon Carbide Grit: #180–#400

Fine silicon carbide grit is suitable for applications requiring a smoother surface.

Typical applications include:

• Precision grinding
• Ceramic processing
• Glass grinding
• Fine surface finishing
• Grinding hard materials

Common sizes include:

#180, #220, #320 and #400.

Green silicon carbide abrasive is often selected for precision applications where higher purity and consistent abrasive performance are important.

Fine Powder and Micro Grit: #600–#2000+

Very fine silicon carbide particles are used for precision finishing and polishing.

Applications include:

• Optical glass polishing
• Ceramic polishing
• Precision components
• Semiconductor-related processing
• Fine lapping
• Surface finishing

Common sizes include:

#600, #800, #1000, #1200, #1500 and #2000.

For ultra-fine applications, silicon carbide may also be supplied as micro powder according to micron particle size rather than conventional grit numbering.

Black Silicon Carbide vs Green Silicon Carbide for Different Grit Sizes

The choice between Black SiC and Green SiC depends not only on grit size but also on the application.

Black Silicon Carbide

Commonly used for:

• Sandblasting
• General grinding
• Stone processing
• Surface preparation
• Refractory applications

Typical grit range:

#16–#220

Green Silicon Carbide

Commonly used for:

• Precision grinding
• Carbide grinding
• Glass processing
• Ceramic processing
• Fine polishing
• Semiconductor-related applications

Typical sizes can range from coarse grit to fine micro powders depending on the application.

How to Choose the Right Silicon Carbide Grit?

When selecting silicon carbide grit, consider five factors:

1. Material Being Processed

Hard materials such as ceramics, glass, carbide, and stone may require silicon carbide because of its high hardness and sharp cutting ability.

2. Material Removal Rate

If fast material removal is required, choose a coarser grit.

For example:

#16–#36

are generally more aggressive than:

#180–#400.

3. Required Surface Finish

For rough processing, coarse grit is generally suitable.

For a smoother surface, select a finer grit.

4. Abrasive Equipment

The appropriate grit can also depend on whether the material is used in:

• Grinding wheels
• Abrasive belts
• Sandblasting equipment
• Lapping systems
• Polishing processes

5. Grit Standard

Always confirm whether the requested grit follows:

• FEPA
• JIS
• ANSI
• Mesh
• Micron

This is particularly important when purchasing silicon carbide from international suppliers.

Silicon Carbide Grit for Sandblasting

For sandblasting applications, the appropriate grit depends on the material and desired surface profile.

Heavy Cleaning

#16–#36

Suitable for aggressive rust, coating, and surface removal.

General Blasting

#46–#80

Suitable for general surface preparation and cleaning.

Fine Blasting

#100–#220

Suitable for more controlled surface treatment and finishing.

Silicon Carbide Grit for Grinding

Grinding applications generally require different grit sizes depending on the stage of processing.

Rough Grinding

#16–#46

For rapid material removal.

Intermediate Grinding

#60–#120

For general grinding and dimensional correction.

Fine Grinding

#180–#400

For smoother surfaces and precision processing.

Silicon Carbide Grit for Polishing

Fine silicon carbide is commonly used when a smoother surface is required.

Typical progression:

#400 → #600 → #800 → #1000 → #1200 → #1500 → #2000

The exact sequence depends on the material, equipment, and required surface finish.

For optical, ceramic, and other precision applications, finer silicon carbide powders may be selected according to micron particle size.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is silicon carbide grit used for?

Silicon carbide grit is used for grinding, sandblasting, polishing, surface preparation, stone processing, glass processing, and other abrasive applications.

What silicon carbide grit is best for sandblasting?

The appropriate grit depends on the surface and required cutting intensity. Coarse sizes such as #16–#36 are suitable for aggressive removal, while #46–#120 are commonly used for general surface preparation.

What is 60 grit silicon carbide used for?

60 grit silicon carbide provides relatively aggressive cutting performance and can be used for grinding, surface preparation, blasting, and other general abrasive applications.

What is the difference between coarse and fine silicon carbide grit?

Coarse grit generally removes material faster, while fine grit provides better control and smoother surface finishing.

Should I use Black Silicon Carbide or Green Silicon Carbide?

Black silicon carbide is generally suitable for general-purpose abrasive applications such as blasting and grinding. Green silicon carbide is commonly selected for higher-purity and precision grinding or polishing applications.

Conclusion

Choosing the correct silicon carbide grit size is essential for achieving the desired abrasive performance.

Coarse sizes such as #16, #24, and #36 are suitable for aggressive grinding and surface preparation. Medium sizes such as #46, #60, #80, and #120 provide a balance between cutting performance and surface finish. Fine sizes such as #180, #220, #400, #600, and #800+ are better suited to precision grinding and polishing.

The final selection should consider the material being processed, required surface finish, abrasive equipment, grit standard, and application requirements.