Home / News & Blog / Abrasive Blog / A Comprehensive Look at White Fused Alumina: Price, HS Code, Manufacturing, and Applications
White Fused Alumina (WFA) is a high-purity material widely used in industries ranging from abrasives and refractories to surface treatment. It`s known for its exceptional hardness, chemical stability, and high thermal resistance, WFA plays a critical role in various industrial processes. Based on the issues that most users are concerned about, we will explain to you from the following aspects: the factors influencing its price, HS code classification, manufacturing process,MSDS, and its application as blast media.
White Fused Alumina is a synthetic crystalline material made from high-purity aluminum oxide. It is produced by fusing alumina in an electric arc furnace at high temperatures. The result is a hard, tough material with excellent chemical resistance and a high melting point.
Key Properties of White Fused Alumina:
The white fused alumina abrasive grain has an alumina content of over 99%. It ranked at 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it ideal for challenging abrasive tasks. It also has very good refractory properties and thermal stability.
DOMILL uses professional production technology and strict quality inspection measures to ensure that the abrasive grains you receive are of excellent quality and meet the physical properties, particle size and shape of various abrasives tool production.
White Fused Alumina Price Update (as of November 23)
According to Refractories Window, the price for white fused alumina (WFA) segment sand with the following specifications:
Al₂O₃ ≥ 99%
Na₂O ≤ 0.4%
Region: Henan, China
Price: 7,100 RMB/ton
These prices are based on ex-factory costs inclusive of tax and are subject to market fluctuations. Actual transaction prices may vary depending on specific agreements and conditions. For the most accurate pricing, you can contact your supplier or visit DOMILL white fused alumina abrasive grains
The price of white fused alumina reflects a complex interplay of production costs, market demand, and technological advancements. Here’s a closer look at the factors driving its pricing:
Raw Material Cost
The cost of raw materials like bauxite and alumina is a significant factor influencing WFA prices. Any fluctuations in the price of these materials can directly impact production costs.
Production Process
The manufacturing process of white fused alumina involves high temperatures, which require significant energy input. Changes in energy prices, especially electricity costs, can influence the final price.
Purity and Quality
Higher purity white fused alumina tends to be more expensive due to the more refined production process and the superior quality it offers for precision grinding, polishing, and other high-end applications.
Supply and Demand
Market demand for abrasives, particularly in industries like automotive, metalworking, and construction, can drive price fluctuations. If demand outpaces supply, prices tend to increase.
Regional Differences
Prices of WFA can vary by region due to differences in local production costs, transport costs, and regional demand. For instance, countries with abundant raw materials or cheaper energy sources may offer lower prices compared to others.
The Harmonized System (HS) Code for white fused alumina is 28181000, categorized as “Artificial Corundum, whether or not chemically defined.”
Ensuring accurate HS code usage is essential for smooth trade operations and compliance with international regulations.
Producing white fused alumina involves multiple stages designed to maximize purity and performance:
1. Selecting High-Purity Aluminum Oxide
The process begins with the careful selection of aluminum oxide powder, ensuring minimal impurities for high-quality output.
2. Fusion in Electric Arc Furnaces
Aluminum oxide is melted at temperatures exceeding 2000°C. This high-energy process removes impurities and forms a molten alumina mass.
3. Cooling and Crystallization
The molten material is cooled to form large, crystalline structures. This step enhances WFA’s mechanical strength and chemical stability.
4. Crushing and Screening
The solidified alumina is crushed into various grain sizes, catering to specific applications such as grinding, blasting, or refractory use.
5. Rigorous Quality Control
Samples are tested for chemical composition, grain size distribution, and hardness to ensure consistency and compliance with industry standards.
A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) provides essential information about the safety, handling, and properties of white fused alumina.
For DOMILL white fused alumina abrasive grain, please to the MSDS as following:
Key Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance: White crystalline powder or granular material.
Chemical Formula: Al₂O₃.
Density: Approximately 3.95 g/cm³.
Potential Hazards
Inhalation: Dust can cause respiratory irritation if inhaled in large quantities.
Skin Contact: Prolonged exposure may lead to mild irritation.
Safe Handling Practices
Use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles, and dust masks.
Ensure proper ventilation in areas where WFA dust is generated.
Store in a dry, cool environment to prevent moisture absorption.
White aluminum oxide, also known as white fused alumina (WFA), is a high-purity blasting media composed of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃). It is produced by fusing calcined alumina in electric arc furnaces at high temperatures. Known for its hardness, toughness, and uniform particle distribution, it is a preferred choice in industries requiring precision and high-quality surface finishing.
High Purity: Typically contains ≥99% Al₂O₃, ensuring minimal contamination.
Exceptional Hardness: Ranks 9 on the Mohs scale, second only to diamond.
Angular Shape: Ideal for aggressive blasting applications.
Reusability: Durable and suitable for multiple blasting cycles.
Chemical Inertness: Does not react with most materials, making it safe for sensitive substrates.
Low Iron Content: Prevents discoloration or corrosion during use.
Surface Preparation:
Removes rust, paint, and scale from metal surfaces.
Prepares surfaces for coating, plating, or bonding.
Precision Blasting:
Used for etching designs on glass or stone.
Ideal for creating a smooth, uniform surface on delicate materials like aluminum or stainless steel.
Available in a variety of grit sizes, white aluminum oxide blast media can accommodate different blasting requirements, from coarse material removal to fine surface finishing.
Choosing the Right Grit Size
Coarse Grit (12-36): For heavy material removal and rough surfaces.
Medium Grit (46-120): Ideal for general-purpose blasting and surface preparation.
Fine Grit (150-240): Suitable for precision cleaning and finishing.
Common Applications
Cleaning and deburring metal parts.
Texturing surfaces for coating adhesion.
Polishing glass, ceramics, and composites.
White Fused Alumina is more than a high-performance material—it is an essential component driving innovation in industries ranging from abrasives to advanced manufacturing. By understanding the factors influencing its price, leveraging its HS code for trade, and exploring its evolving applications, businesses can unlock its full potential.
As sustainability and technological advancements reshape its production and use, WFA is poised to remain a critical material in the future of industrial and surface treatment technologies.
