12 µm PSA Aluminum Oxide Lapping Film Discs and Sheets

Coarse-to-Medium Pre-Polishing for Metals, Ceramics, and Composites

Introduction

12 µm PSA Aluminum Oxide (AO) lapping film discs and sheets are designed for coarse-to-medium pre-polishing, delivering uniform surfaces and controlled scratch patterns on metals, ceramics, composites, and other precision materials. Featuring 12 micron aluminum oxide abrasive, a resin-bonded layer, and pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) polyester backing, these films provide repeatable, high-quality polishing results for laboratories, research, and industrial applications.

The 12 µm grit is ideal for initial or intermediate pre-polishing stages, bridging the gap between coarse 15–30 µm films and finer 6–9 µm films. They are widely used in metallography, electronics, fiber optics, optical components, and materials science where consistent surfaces and minimal defects are critical.

What Is 12 µm PSA Aluminum Oxide Lapping Film?

A 12 µm PSA aluminum oxide lapping film features:

• 12 micron aluminum oxide abrasive for controlled material removal

• Resin-bonded abrasive layer for consistent wear

• Polyester (PET/Mylar) backing to maintain flatness and stability

• Pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) for secure mounting on platens, glass plates, or fixtures

Compared to loose powders, PSA-backed films provide a clean, precise, and repeatable polishing process, minimizing contamination and improving workflow efficiency.

Why Choose 12 µm Aluminum Oxide Lapping Film?

Ideal for Coarse Pre-Polishing

12 µm aluminum oxide film is perfect for:

• Initial pre-polishing after coarse 15–30 µm lapping

• Preparing metals, ceramics, and composites for intermediate polishing

• Producing uniform surfaces with controlled scratch patterns

• Fiber optic ferrule planarization before finer 6–9 µm polishing

Key Advantages

• Consistent scratch pattern for predictable results

• Maintains surface flatness and coplanarity

• Compatible with wet, dry, or lubricated polishing

• Cost-effective alternative to diamond films for softer materials

• Long-lasting, repeatable performance

Key Features of 12 µm PSA Aluminum Oxide Lapping Film Discs and Sheets

High-Purity Abrasive

• 12 µm particle size for controlled cutting

• Predictable material removal

• Minimal surface defects

PSA-Backed for Secure Mounting

• Strong adhesion to platens, glass, or metal fixtures

• Prevents slippage during polishing

• Clean removal without residue

Durable Polyester Backing

• Maintains flatness under pressure

• Resistant to curling, tearing, and stretching

• Suitable for manual and automated polishing

Extended Service Life

• Consistent performance across multiple polishing cycles

• Superior to loose abrasive pastes or powders

Discs vs Sheets: Selecting the Right Format

12 µm Aluminum Oxide Lapping Film Discs

Best for:

• Automated or semi-automated polishing

• Rotating platens and production-scale applications

• Common disc sizes: 3″, 5″, 6″, 8″, 10″, 12″

12 µm Aluminum Oxide Lapping Film Sheets

Ideal for:

• Manual polishing and laboratory work

• Custom fixtures and small-scale R&D

• Standard sheet sizes: 9″ × 11″, 8.5″ × 11″

Typical Applications

Metallography & Materials Science

• Coarse-to-medium pre-polishing of metals, alloys, ceramics, and composites

• Preparing cross-sections for microscopy

• Sample preparation for SEM or optical analysis

Electronics & Fiber Optics

• Pre-polishing metal contacts and substrates

• Fiber optic ferrule end-face planarization

• Surface preparation before intermediate and fine polishing

Optics & Precision Components

• Glass and crystal substrate pre-finishing

• Optical lens and prism flattening prior to fine polishing

Product Specifications

Available Sizes & Formats

Recommended Grit Progression

Typical polishing sequence:
30 µm → 15 µm → 12 µm AO → 9 µm → 6 µm → 3 µm → 1 µm → 0.5 µm

12 µm AO films are ideal for coarse pre-polishing, efficiently removing material while preparing surfaces for intermediate polishing stages.

Best Practices for Using 12 µm PSA Aluminum Oxide Lapping Film

• Mount on a clean, flat surface

• Apply light to moderate, even pressure

• Use water or water-based lubricants for optimal results

• Rinse periodically to remove debris

• Clean and dry after use to extend lifespan

12 µm Aluminum Oxide Film vs Diamond Films

For coarse pre-polishing of softer or moderately hard materials, 12 µm aluminum oxide offers a cost-effective and high-performance solution.

Conclusion

12 µm PSA Aluminum Oxide lapping film discs and sheets are essential for coarse pre-polishing, metallography, electronics, fiber optics, and laboratory applications. They provide controlled scratch patterns, flat surfaces, and repeatable results, preparing materials for intermediate and ultra-fine polishing.