Concrete Grinder | Parts, Types, Uses, Advantages & Disadvantages of Concrete Grinder

A concrete grinder may be defined as a finishing tool that is utilized to do the process of grinding and leveling concrete surfaces to give a smooth finish to the concrete surface.

The concrete grinder can be utilized as a surface preparation tool, an aggressive coating removal tool, and a concrete polishing tool.

  1. Parts of Concrete Grinder  

A concrete grinder generally contains a rotating head that is used to smooth and level the concrete surface. Nowadays, the use of such tools is growing rapidly, most of the concrete grinding is done by diamonds. This process is known as “diamond grinding” as the abrasive discs utilized to grind the surface contain diamond particles.

The main parts of a concrete grinder are the:

1. Diamond
2. Bond

a. Diamond  

Synthetic diamonds are normally utilized diamond type in concrete grinders. These are found in various strengths, shapes, and sizes. The size of the diamond is denoted in terms of grits which are found in various sizes denoted by grit numbers.

These grits are useful in proper work optimization. The size of the diamond and the corresponding grit number is always inversely proportional to each other. This represents that a larger diamond includes a smaller grit size and vice versa. If we need aggressive coating removal on a concrete surface, then we use large diamonds. Similarly, if we need polishing and honing applications, we use small diamonds.

b. Bonds  

Bonds are an important component of a concrete grinder. The concrete grinding tool does its job quickly if the bond utilized is not similar to the material utilized for grinding.

The main aim of the bond is to fully support the diamond utilized for grinding. During the grinding process, the bond goes through wearing in an arranged way so that the new diamond is vulnerable to grinding without sudden breakage of the diamond. The choice of diamond grit and the bonds differ with the needed application. 

  2. Types of Concrete Grinders  

The choice of a grinder is based on the work to be executed and the type of material to be removed. The major classification of concrete grinders are:

a. Hand-Held Concrete Grinders

b. Walk Behind Grinders

a. Hand-Held Concrete Grinders  

A hand-held grinder is generally utilized to grind concrete surfaces at the corners and tight areas. These are utilized in areas where walk-behind grinders cannot be quickly reached for grinding. The grinding process makes a huge quantity of dust which is carried out through a shroud and extraction hose fixed to the tool unit.

b. Walk Behind Concrete Grinders  

A walk-behind grinder is a huge concrete grinder unit that supports grinding the concrete over the body of the floor.  The bigger areas of concrete can be ground with these machines.

Different models of walk-behind grinders are available which run either by LP, petrol, or diesel.

  3. Uses of Concrete Grinders  

The major uses are as follows:

a. The existence of strong and stubborn tile glues can be quickly removed with the use of these grinders.

b. It is cheap when contrasted with other membrane removal methods

c. If unevenly made concrete surfaces can be smoothened and made shiny with the help of these grinders.

d. The concrete surface can be ground in a surplus quantity to unprotect the aggregates and polish to provide the best aesthetic look.

e. The concrete finish given by the use of concrete grinders is comparable with other stone floor surfaces.

  4. Advantages  

1. It helps to increase aesthetic beauty.

2. It helps to smooth uneven concrete surfaces.

3. It smoothing of concrete can be done too quickly.

4. Saves time and increases workability.

  5. Disadvantages  

1. It can be costly due to the consumption of petroleum products and electricity.

2. The smoothing of concrete surfaces can be done in a small area.

3. Skilled manpower is needed.