Silica-free Abrasive Compounds Offer Improved Health, Safety

A line of silica-free abrasive compounds from Osborn, a manufacturer of industrial abrasives and finishing tools, offer a range of benefits over traditional formulations that contain silica. These benefits include improved health and safety, reduced environmental impact and improved product performance.

“We’re excited to introduce these new silica-free compounds to our customers,” says Tim Ebner, vice president of polishing – Americas at Osborn. “We recognize the growing concern around silica exposure in the workplace, and we’re committed to providing safer, more sustainable products that deliver exceptional results.”

Silica is a naturally occurring mineral that is commonly used in industrial processes, such as mining, drilling and sandblasting. However, exposure to silica dust can pose significant health hazards, including respiratory diseases such as silicosis and an increased risk of lung cancer. By offering silica-free abrasive compounds, Osborn is helping to reduce the risk of silica exposure in the workplace, and improve the health and safety of workers.

In addition to the health and safety benefits, the silica-free compounds also offer improved performance characteristics over traditional silica-containing formulations, Osborn says. The compounds provide a clearer, smoother appearance that can improve the final product.

Finally, the use of silica-free compounds can also help reduce the environmental impact of industrial processes. Silica mining and processing can have environmental impacts, including soil erosion, water pollution and habitat destruction. By reducing the demand for silica, Osborn’s compounds are designed to mitigate these environmental impacts and promote sustainability.