As composite materials evolve, so too must the finishing techniques and tools applied to them. Mirka, a global leader in surface finishing solutions, is closely monitoring industry shifts to ensure its customers have access to the right abrasives, tools, and automation technologies. According to Chris Brook, Business Sector Manager for Transport & Industry at Mirka UK, four key trends are driving change in the sector.

1. Dust control
Sanding composites generates large volumes of dust in a short time. To address this, businesses are investing in dust extraction systems paired with tools such as the Mirka DEROS and Abranet abrasive range. Together, these solutions enable near dust-free working environments, safeguarding workforce health, improving client confidence, and reducing clean-up time, ultimately enhancing productivity.

2. Automation
As production volumes grow, automated finishing solutions are becoming essential. Mirka has developed a dedicated robotic line-up with heads for spot repair, industrial processing, and polishing. Feedback from customers confirms that these robotic tools increase production efficiency from the first use, reflecting Mirka s commitment to co-developing solutions with customers through ongoing technical engagement.

3. Sustainability
Sustainability is shaping purchasing decisions in two ways. Environmentally friendly or reusable products are gaining traction, offering reliable performance across multiple uses. Financial sustainability is equally important, as businesses seek to optimise margins. Mirka highlights that premium abrasives, though higher in upfront cost, deliver consistent long-term performance compared to cheaper alternatives that require frequent replacement.

4. Process standardisation
The industry is moving toward consistent use of specific abrasives for particular applications, reducing downtime and improving throughput. Mirka supports this by analysing new composite materials and recommending suitable abrasives from its expanding portfolio, enabling customers to adopt efficient and repeatable processes.

These trends are here to stay, but more innovations are on the horizon, noted Brook. By working closely with our customers and continuing to develop the right solutions, we ensure they remain equipped to meet the challenges of composite finishing today and in the future.

Source: www.mirka.com