How sanding machines work and areas of application
A sanding machine works according to the principle of machining. This means that material is removed from the workpiece by fine chip removal. Depending on the design, this is done either with rotating sanding discs or with a rotating sanding belt. The sanding effect is created by tiny abrasive grains that penetrate the surface and remove material.
The grit size determines the result. Low grit numbers such as 36 to 46 mean a coarse abrasive for fast material removal. Medium grits from 60 to 80 are all-rounders for normal sanding work. Fine grits from 120 to 320 produce smooth surfaces for finishing work. The abrasive must also be suitable for the material. Aluminium oxide is suitable for soft steels and mild steel, aluminium oxide for hardened steels and HSS tools, silicon carbide for carbide and non-ferrous metals. CBN grinding discs made of cubic boron nitride offer maximum service life for hardened steels.
You can master numerous metalworking tasks with grinding tools:
- Sharpening tools: Drills, chisels, chisels and turning tools are ready for use again
- Deburring: Sharp edges after sawing, drilling or milling are removed
- Weld seam preparation: Surfaces are prepared for clean weld seams
- Surface treatment: Smoothing, polishing or targeted roughening of metal surfaces
- Surface grinding: Large sheets and long workpieces are ground flat
Our grinders are particularly useful in metalworking shops, steel construction companies, tool shops, car workshops, repair shops and manufacturing companies. Contact our service team now to find the right products and accessories for you.
Types of sanding machines at a glance
Sanding machines can basically be divided into two categories: Stationary devices for workshop use and mobile hand sanders for flexible applications.
Mobile sanders include angle grinders, random orbital sanders and orbital sanders, which are often also available as cordless versions. These hand-held tools offer maximum power and flexibility when working directly on the workpiece or on the construction site.
At ELMAG, we offer three main types of stationary sanders for metalworking, each designed for specific tasks:
Belt grinders for large surfaces
Belt sanders work with an endless sanding belt that runs over two rollers. They are perfect for processing large surfaces and long workpieces.
Our BSM series impresses with:
- Belt widths of 75, 100 or 150 millimetres for different workpiece sizes
- Two sanding speeds for flexible work between fast removal and fine sanding
- Sanding head can be swivelled through 90 degrees for easy processing of edges
- Large surface sanding area of up to 150 x 530 millimetres for wide workpieces
- Power from 1,500 to 4,000 watts for continuous professional use
Double grinders for tool sharpening
Double grinders are stationary grinding machines with two grinding discs facing each other. The big advantage: Both sides can be fitted with different grit sizes. This means you have a coarse disc for pre-grinding and a fine disc for finish grinding at the same time.
Our DSM series offers:
- Sanding disc diameters from 150 to 250 millimetres
- 230-volt models for DIY enthusiasts and small workshops
- 400-volt versions for professional use
- Adjustable workpiece supports for exact sanding angles
- Maintenance-free motors with squirrel-cage rotors for vibration-free and quiet operation
Combi sanders for flexible applications
Combi san ders combine the advantages of belt and disc sanders in one product. They have a sanding disc and an additional sanding belt that is guided by a swivelling unit. This design saves space in the workshop and offers maximum flexibility.
Advantages of the KSM series:
- 2-in-1 solution saves valuable space in the workshop
- Sanding disc for tool sharpening and small parts
- Sanding belt for larger surfaces and longer workpieces
- Various size combinations from compact to robust
- Available from 230-volt Light Line to 400-volt professional version
Buying the right sanding machine
There are three decisive factors when choosing the right sanding machine:
- Define the main purpose of use: if you mainly need to sharpen tools, a double grinder is the best choice. A belt sander is recommended for large surfaces and long workpieces. If you need maximum flexibility, go for a combination device.
- The size should match the workpiece: A compact double disc sander is sufficient for small tools and DIY work. Professional users choose larger disc diameters. For belt sanders, the wider the belt, the larger the surface area you can work on.
- The voltage depends on your power supply: 230-volt devices or cordless sanders are ideal for DIY enthusiasts and smaller workshops. Professional users with a three-phase connection will benefit from the more powerful 400-volt models.
Also pay attention to the build quality. Robust cast housing, precise bearings and high-quality motors are signs of durability. At ELMAG, we rely on solid constructions, use only tested components and offer high-quality products with a comprehensive range of accessories.
Special highlights of ELMAG sanding machines
Sanding machines from ELMAG impress with their sophisticated technology and the decades of experience of our experts, which can be found in every detail. The result: Reliable machines that perform even under demanding conditions.
- Maintenance-free motors with high efficiency: All double sanders have robust motors. These ensure vibration-free, quiet running and hardly any wear.
- Precision bearings for smooth running: High-quality ball bearings with precision tolerances guarantee low-vibration running even after years of intensive use.
- Sophisticated safety features: Robust protective bonnets with eye protection glass keep out sparks and chips, the zero-voltage release prevents unintentional start-up after a power failure.
- Extraction for clean working: All machines have connections for the use of an extraction system. This keeps the workplace clean, protects your health and improves visibility of the workpiece.
- Extensive range of accessories directly available: From sanding belts in all sizes and grits to sanding discs, machine bases and spark guards - at ELMAG you get all products and tools from a single source. Fast availability and expert service included.
Our metalworking experts will be happy to provide you with personalised advice so that you are guaranteed to buy the right sanding machine for your requirements. Contact us now and benefit from tested quality, a 15-year spare parts guarantee and reliable service!
Frequently asked questions
What types of grinders are there?
Grinders for metalworking can be divided into different categories. Stationary products include belt sanders, double sanders and combination devices. For mobile applications, there are hand-held angle grinders and random orbital sanders. Each type has its own specific strengths and is suitable for different applications in the workshop.
Which sanders are suitable for metal?
Depending on the individual requirements, belt sanders, combination sanders and double sanders are particularly suitable for stationary metalworking. Hand-held models such as angle grinders or random orbital sanders are more suitable for some tasks. In any case, the choice of the right abrasive is crucial for a satisfactory result in metalworking: Normal corundum for soft steels and mild steel, high-grade corundum for hardened steels and HSS tools, silicon carbide for non-ferrous metals such as aluminium, copper or brass. The grain size also plays an important role. Coarse grits from 36 to 46 are used for fast material removal, medium grits from 60 to 80 for normal sanding work and fine grits from 120 for finishing work.
Can you also polish with a sander?
Yes, sanders can also be used for polishing. Very fine abrasives with grit sizes from 240 to 600 or special polishing discs are used for polishing. These produce particularly smooth, shiny surfaces. Felt discs with polishing paste are also suitable for high-gloss polishing on metal. The transition from fine sanding to polishing is fluid - the finer the grit, the smoother and shinier the surface. With double sanders, you can equip one side with a polishing disc while the other side retains a normal sanding disc. Felt discs with polishing paste are also suitable for high-gloss polishing. For professional polishing of larger surfaces, however, we recommend special polishing machines that are optimised for this task.
What is the ideal speed for sanding metal?
The optimum speed for sanding depends on the diameter of the sanding disc. The decisive factor is the peripheral speed, which should typically be between 15 and 30 metres per second. Smaller grinding discs rotate faster, larger ones slower in order to achieve the same grinding speed. Higher speeds are advantageous for coarse sanding and fast material removal. For fine sanding or for heat-sensitive tools, you should select lower speeds. Our belt sanders often offer two speed levels so that you can switch between fast stock removal and controlled fine sanding depending on the task. The exact specifications can be found in the technical data of the respective machine.
How can I recognise a good grinder for metal?
You can recognise a high-quality grinder by several quality features. Robust construction with a solid cast iron or heavy steel housing guarantees stability and low-vibration operation. Precision bearings ensure smooth running without imbalance, even after years of use. A powerful motor with sufficient reserves can also handle harder materials without faltering. Sophisticated safety features such as sturdy protective bonnets, spark protection and zero-voltage release protect the operator. Adjustable workpiece supports enable precise work at defined angles. An extraction connection keeps the workplace clean. Also look out for test seals such as TÜV and CE labelling as well as the availability of accessories and spare parts.
SKU: 82196 Belt grinding machine model BSM 150x2000150 mm 150x530 mm 2000 mm 1: 14.5 / 2: 29 m/s 196 mm 4000 W 400/50 V/Hz 700 mm Show more€ 1.500,00€ 1.500,00 Incl. Tax€ 1.250,00 Excl. TaxIn stock, immediately available
SKU: 61010 Drill grinding machine DBG 832 W 8-32 mm8 - 32 mm 95 - 135 ° 4400 rpm 0.25 kW 230/50 V/Hz 490 mm 250 mm 260 mm Show more€ 1.842,00€ 1.842,00 Incl. Tax€ 1.535,00 Excl. TaxIn stock, immediately available
SKU: 82205 ELMAG Premium belt grinding machine HD 75x2000 A/HD-B (with extraction)75 mm 650 mm 2000 mm 30 m/s 75 mm 200 mm 2800 rpm 2800 rpm Show more€ 3.366,00€ 3.366,00 Incl. Tax€ 2.805,00 Excl. TaxResidual amounts available
SKU: 82195 Belt grinding machine model BSM 75x2000 BSM 75x200075 mm 75x530 mm 2000 mm 1: 14.5 / 2: 29 m/s 196 mm 3000 W 400/50 V/Hz 700 mm Show more€ 1.197,60€ 1.197,60 Incl. Tax€ 998,00 Excl. TaxResidual amounts available
SKU: 82035 Combination grinding machine KSM 1000/200 N 400 Volt200 mm 25 mm 20 mm 30 m/s 100 mm 100x260 mm 1000 mm >90 ° Show more€ 806,40€ 806,40 Incl. Tax€ 672,00 Excl. TaxIn stock, immediately available
SKU: 61054 Double grinding machine DSM 200 Dleft: 200 / right: 200 mm left: 32 / right: 32 mm 32 mm 31 m/s 2950 rpm 900 W 400/50 V/Hz 18 mm Show more€ 258,00€ 258,00 Incl. Tax€ 215,00 Excl. TaxNormal-Price
SKU: 82193 Radius grinding machine RSM 100x2000 incl. roller set 7 pcs.
SKU: 82038 Belt grinding machine BSM 100x1220 N, 400 Volt 2-speed100 mm 100x280 mm 1220 mm 9,5/19 m/s 130 mm 1500 W 400/50 V/Hz 700 mm Show more€ 970,80€ 970,80 Incl. Tax€ 809,00 Excl. TaxResidual amounts available
SKU: 61057 Combination grinding machine DSM 914/200 DKleft: 200 mm left: 32 mm 32 mm 31 m/s 15,4 m/s 100 mm 100x150 mm 900 mm Show more€ 453,60€ 453,60 Incl. Tax€ 378,00 Excl. TaxIn stock, immediately available
SKU: 82034 Combination grinding machine KSM 1000/150 N 230 Volt150 mm 25 mm 20 mm 22 m/s 50 mm 50x260 mm 1000 mm >90 ° Show more€ 542,40€ 542,40 Incl. Tax€ 452,00 Excl. TaxIn stock, immediately available
SKU: 61051 Double grinding machine DSM 175 Wleft: 175 / right: 175 mm left: 25 / right: 25 mm 32 mm 27 m/s 2950 rpm 520 W 230/50 V/Hz 16 mm Show more€ 178,80€ 178,80 Incl. Tax€ 149,00 Excl. TaxNormal-Price
SKU: 82037 Belt Grinding Machine BSM 100x1220 N, 230 Volt100 mm 100x280 mm 1220 mm 19 m/s 130 mm 1500 W 230/50 V/Hz 700 mm Show more€ 844,80€ 844,80 Incl. Tax€ 704,00 Excl. TaxResidual amounts available
