What's the difference between silicon carbide and aluminum oxide?

Both materials are loose abrasives, but silicon carbide is a harder material and will take longer to break down when you use it.

Aluminum oxide is generally less expensive, but you'll end up using more of it to accomplish your grinding or sandblasting.

We tend to recommend using silicon carbide for grinding and sandblasting as it will stay abrasive for a longer period of time and require less replacement over the long term.