5 Facts about the Concrete Grinder
Concrete grinders are one of the most adaptable types of concrete machinery available. Appearing in different sizes and with a variety of attachments, the concrete grinder is a complex tool that requires knowledge and skill to achieve the desired result. Below are 5 facts about the uses of the concrete grinder.
1. The concrete grinder is used for more than just polishing.
Though concrete grinders can be used with finer-grit abrasives to create a beautifully polished concrete surface, the process that contractors go through to prepare that surface is more than just polishing. There are three parts to concrete preparation processing: grinding, honing, and polishing. Ground concrete surfaces have a flat appearance with low sheen, whereas a polished concrete surface has a clear reflection with a glassy finish.
2. Concrete grinders are versatile.
Concrete grinders provide a lot of adaptability when used on the jobsite. According to Concrete Network, concrete grinders are generally more flexible than other surface prep equipment and can serve multiple functions, including:
- Profiling floors before application of coating or paint
- Breaking up deposits of grease, dirt, and industrial contaminants
- Leveling uneven joints or high spots
3. It’s all about the attachments!
The best way to make the most of your multipurpose grinder is to invest in a variety of attachments. Concrete Network identifies the three most common types of attachments:
- Silicon-carbide stones smooth trowel marks or rough finishes and level high spots less than 1/16 inch.
- Tungsten-carbide inserts can be used to remove adhesives, thick paint, tar, resin, rubber deposits, and industrial buildup.
- Diamond-segmented tools are ideal for profiling work and the removal of thin-film coatings. They can also be used to polish and remove minor surface imperfections.
4. When it comes to the concrete grinder, one size does not fit all.
As with most concrete equipment, the size and type of concrete grinder will depend on the specifics of the job. Before selecting a concrete grinder, consider the scope of your project. For floors and slabs, there are a variety of walk-behind grinders, including those that allow you to work on large slabs and those that are better for restricted areas. Heavier, walk-behind grinders are best for projects that require more aggressive grinding because the weight placed on the discs allows the grinder to make better contact with the surface. Hand-held grinders are also available for tighter areas.
5. Only recently has the concrete grinding industry began to flourish.
Though concrete processing has been implemented over the past 10 years, its popularity has only recently increased. Due to concrete’s excellent durability and performance, polished concrete flooring has quickly become a popular alternative to marble, granite, tile and linoleum for many commercial facilities. As the market demand for this type of processing increases, more contractors are learning about and seeking proper training on the intricacies of the process.
The Total Concrete Package from Somero Enterprises
The concrete grinder is only one part of the concrete preparation process. Somero provides a variety of concrete machinery that helps improve the productivity, efficiency, and quality of construction processes.
When you purchase concrete equipment from Somero, you can be sure that you’ll have access to excellent customer services, quality training materials, and access to support 24/7. Check out our extensive product line of concrete leveling equipment today!