Combining Laser Diffraction with Dynamic Image Analysis to Improve the Characterisation of Abrasives

Abrasive materials play an important role in a wide range of industrial processes, including grinding, polishing, cutting, surface preparation and finishing. Manufacturers need to maintain consistent abrasive performance to achieve reliable results and minimise variations between batches. Although particle size provides an important measure of abrasive quality, size alone cannot fully describe the properties that influence performance. Particle shape also plays a significant role and requires careful control during production and quality assessment.

The Importance of Particle Shape

Abrasive particles can take a variety of shapes depending on their composition, manufacturing process and subsequent treatment. Two particles may have a similar size but behave very differently if their shapes differ. For example, angular particles may provide different cutting and grinding characteristics from rounded particles. Shape can also influence how particles pack together, interact with surfaces and distribute forces during an abrasive process.

For this reason, manufacturers need to consider both particle size and shape when characterising abrasive materials. Traditional laser diffraction systems provide detailed particle size distributions but do not directly describe individual particle morphology.

Combining Two Measurement Techniques

The Bettersizer S3 Plus combines laser diffraction with dynamic image analysis to provide a more comprehensive characterisation of abrasive particles. Laser diffraction measures the particle size distribution across a broad size range, while dynamic image analysis captures images of individual particles as they move through the measurement system. The image analysis then evaluates characteristics such as particle size, aspect ratio and particle shape.

By combining these techniques, the Bettersizer S3 Plus provides manufacturers with significantly more information than conventional laser diffraction analysis alone. Users can assess whether changes in particle size correspond with changes in particle morphology and identify variations that a size-only measurement could overlook.

Improving Abrasive Quality Control

A combined approach to particle characterisation helps manufacturers develop tighter quality control procedures and improve consistency between batches. By monitoring both size and shape, users can gain a clearer understanding of abrasive materials and make better-informed decisions during production and product development. This comprehensive analysis can ultimately support more consistent abrasive performance across a wide range of industrial applications.