CRATEX Manufacturing

Cratex is a manufacturer of specialized abrasives products used primarily for metal, glass and lapidary conditioning and finishing. Cratex has been in the business of manufacturing rubberized abrasives for approximately seventy years. These products have abrasive grain mixed homogeneously throughout the rubber so that as the product wears down, sharp, new grains are constantly being exposed. This allows the products to perform the same from start to finish. Cratex rubberized abrasives are typically used for final finishing of ferrous metals, titanium and glass. These products come in Coarse (C), Medium (M), Fine (F), and Extra Fine (XF) grains. They are available in wheels (from 3/8 of an inch in diameter, up to 14 inches in diameter), points, cones, blocks (square and rectangular) and sticks (round). Cratex MX products are laminated, non-woven fabric and aluminum oxide, type 1 wheels and mounted shapes (they come affixed with a steel spindle). They are exceptional for achieving metal removal with fine finishes on aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium, as well as on ferrous metals. These products are also available in type 27 wheels. MX is available in Soft (CXG), Medium Soft (CXH), Firm (CXI) and Extra Firm (CXN) bonds. Cratex regulating wheels for centerless grinding. Cratex manufactures regulating wheels (sometimes referred to as "feed wheels" or "control wheels") using the superior process of calendered rubber. These wheels are available in 12 inch diameters, in various widths and with various recesses. Brightboy rubberized abrasives come in the same shapes and sizes as Cratex rubberized abrasives, but in different formulations. Brightboy wheels are either very soft, for applications like setting turquoise, or cleaning model railroad tracks, or are very firm. Firm wheels are used on ferrous metals where both metal removal and excellent finishes are required. Brightboy products are often custom formulated for operations where metal finishing is part of the manufacturing process. All of Cratex’s products are available from industrial distributors throughout North America, as well as in thirty-four countries around the world. For specific applications questions, contact us at: Cratex Manufacturing Co., Inc. 328 Encinitas Blvd., Ste. 200 Encinitas, CA 92024-3723