China’s New Abrasives Standard Ushers in a “Superhard Era” — A Turning Point for Cutting Disc Manufacturers

China’s New Abrasives Standard Ushers in a “Superhard Era” — A Turning Point for Cutting Disc Manufacturers

Starting January 1, 2024, the updated national standard GB/T 2484-2023 for bonded abrasives is officially in force, signaling a seismic shift across China’s cutting and grinding tool industry. This new regulation mandates that superhard materials like diamond and CBN must account for at least 40% of high-precision bonded abrasives—a significant leap from the previous 20% requirement.

For over 2,000 bonded abrasive manufacturers nationwide, particularly the 80% that are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), this standard raises both the entry barrier and the survival threshold. Without upgrading materials and processes before the end of 2024, nearly one-third of SMEs could face shutdowns or forced mergers.

🔧 Why This Matters for Cutting Disc Manufacturers

Cutting discs are widely used across metalworking, construction, and automotive industries. The new standard pushes these products from “general-purpose” to “precision-grade”, with three major implications:

Material Requirement:
Superhard materials like diamond and CBN must now be ≥40% in high-hardness tools. Discs must also show uniform particle distribution with no agglomeration.

Performance Upgrade:
Dimensional tolerance tightened from ±5μm to ±2μm, and discs must endure 500 hours of continuous operation without failure.

Green Compliance:
Environmental controls include VOC emissions ≤50mg/m³ and 20% lower energy use—putting pressure on traditional resin-bonded processes.

⚠️ Challenges for SMEs in the Cutting Disc Industry

While the upgrade signals a move toward high-end manufacturing, many SMEs are struggling:

Cost Pressure: Superhard materials are expensive, especially nano-grade diamond and CBN. Material cost per ton can jump from ¥80,000 to ¥120,000.

Equipment Gaps: Traditional presses can’t handle the 300+ MPa required for superhard material molding.

Talent Shortage: Few engineers in the market have experience with nano-abrasive dispersion or high-pressure sintering.

💡 How Industry Leaders Are Responding

Leading companies have already embraced the transformation:

Developed nano-composite diamond powders 40% cheaper than imports.

Invested in high-pressure presses capable of 300–500 MPa molding.

Created regional testing labs and materials-sharing platforms to support SMEs.

Some clusters, such as those in Dongguan and Zhengzhou, have formed “mutual aid funds”, helping SMEs reduce costs through group purchasing and equipment sharing.

🔍 What This Means for the Cutting Disc Market

By the end of 2024, it's expected that over 70% of bonded abrasives on the market will meet the new standard. This opens the door for high-performance cutting discs featuring:

Higher precision and lifespan

Cleaner cuts with minimal vibration

Greater resistance to heat and wear

For international buyers, this shift means Chinese cutting discs will increasingly match or surpass global performance benchmarks—at more competitive pricing.

🏁 Final Thoughts: One Year, One Shot

This new standard is more than just a regulation—it's a test of adaptability. For small and medium-sized manufacturers of cutting discs, 2024 is the decisive year. Those who invest in R&D, form strategic alliances, and embrace superhard materials will not only survive, but thrive.

Because in the world of manufacturing, it’s not just about staying sharp—it’s about staying ahead.