Finishing Stone by Application

Which Finishing Stone is Best for Which Application?

Which finishing stone you should use depends on the material of the mold you’re polishing, the shape of the mold surface, how you are polishing (wet or dry), and the desired final finish. See below for a detailed guide. Also check out our finishing stone comparison chart.

Hardness is based on a scale of 0 to 5, where 0 is soft and 5 is hard.

Special aluminum oxide finishing stones primarily used for polishing EDM (Electrical Discharge Machine) surfaces on all types of mold and die steel. Hard and strong, EDM Finishing Stones will hold their shape, making them ideal for polishing sharp corners and small details.

• Available Grits: 100-1200
• Methods: Hand Polishing, Air Profiler, or Ultrasonic Polishing
• Materials: EDM surfaces and all types of tool steel, especially heat-treated steels
• Use: Wet only
• Breakdown: 2
• Hardness: 4

See "EDM" product details

Offers superior breakdown characteristics, and a smooth, silky finish on EDM surfaces, and milling and machining marks. Contours quickly to the shape of the mold surface.

• Available Grits: 150-1000
• Methods: Hand Polishing or Air Profiler
• Materials: EDM surfaces and all types of tool steel
• Use: Wet only
• Breakdown: 4
• Hardness: 3

See "GS" product details

Fast cutting and versatile finishing stones for general polishing on nearly any material. Quick breakdown allows the stones to conform to the shape of the mold.

• Available Grits: 100-1200
• Methods: Hand Polishing or Air Profiler
• Materials: All types of mold and die steel including P20, H13, S7, T-420, and SAE 1030 pre-heat treated, as well as aluminum and other non-ferrous metals such as beryllium, kirksite, and high chrome/nickel stainless steel
• Use: Wet or Dry
• Breakdown: 4
• Hardness: 2

See "N" product details

Semi-hard aluminum oxide finishing stones for general polishing on all tool steels as well as non-ferrous materials. Also load resistant and holds their shape.

• Available Grits: 100-1000
• Methods: Hand Polishing or Air Profiler
• Materials: All types of tool steel including P20, D2, A2, A6, DC53, O6, as well as aluminum and other non-ferrous metals
• Use: Wet or Dry
• Breakdown: 3
• Hardness: 3

See "SE" product details

Medium-hard structured silicon carbide finishing stones for general polishing on all tool steels and non-ferrous materials. Harder than PO Finishing Stones with a moderate breakdown.

• Available Grits: 46-1200
• Method: Hand Polishing or Air Profiler
• Materials: All types of tool steel as well as non-ferrous materials, particularly popular for H13, A2, A6, and stainless steel
• Use: Wet or Dry
• Breakdown: 2
• Hardness: 3

See "SO" product details

Softer silicon carbide finishing stones with a porous structure for even breakdown and a fine velvet finish on all tool steels. Designed to easily conform to detail areas.

• Available Grits: 150-1200
• Methods: Hand Polishing only
• Materials: Ideal for roughing out non-ferrous materials including aluminum, kirksite, copper and beryllium and can also be used on all types of tool steels
• Use: Wet or Dry
• Breakdown: 4
• Hardness: 2

See "PO" product details

Hard structured aluminum oxide finishing stones for polishing slots, ribs, letters, and hard-to-reach spots. Holds their shape making them ideal for polishing sharp corners and details.

• Available Grits: 100-1200
• Methods: Hand Polishing or Air Profiler
• Materials: EDM surfaces, all types of tool steel
• Use: Wet only
• Breakdown: 3
• Hardness: 4

See "HA" product details 

Specially treated soft aluminum oxide finishing stones engineered for finishing aluminum and soft metals. Cuts fast and breaks down quickly while leaving an excellent finish.

• Available Grits: 150-1200
• Methods: Hand Polishing or Air Profiler
• Materials: Aluminum and soft metals
• Use: Wet only
• Breakdown: 4
• Hardness: 3

See "NF" product details

Medium-hard aluminum oxide finishing stones pre-filled with lubricant. Offers excellent breakdown characteristics and retains their shape, making them ideal for polishing mold cavity details.

• Available Grits: 120-1200
• Methods: Hand Polishing or Air Profiler
• Materials: A2, A6, D2, DC53, O6, S7, and P20, as well as EDM surfaces (grits 220 and 320)
• Use: Wet only
• Breakdown: 3
• Hardness: 3

See "PRO" product details