Boride Stones Alternative

Boride stones are commonly used in the manufacturing industry for polishing and grinding of tool steels. These stones are extremely hard and wear-resistant, making it ideal for use on metals. However, due to the high cost of boride stones, many manufacturers are looking for alternative options. The following table provides a list of boride stones equivalents recommended for use on most common tool steels. It should be noted that the results may vary depending on the hardness of the steel.

Designation Boride Gesswein Comments
EDM Polishing AM-8 EDM Blue EDM Blue will cut a little faster but will leave same finish.
AS-9 DRY STONE New stone in development from Gesswein
Orange EDM EDM EDM works very similar. Premium White can be used too.
Gold Diemaker Diemaker works very similar. Premium White can be used too.
General Purpose
(Aluminum Oxide)
AM-2 Diemaker Diemaker is very similar and leaves a softer finish.
Die Stone
AS-H
AM-K Oil Treated Oil Treated is similar. Premium White can also be used.
General Purpose
(Silicon Carbide)
CS Moldmaker Moldmaker Plus and Moldmaker is very similar.
CS-M
CS-HD
Specialty Polishing RASP Oil Treated Oil Treated is best match.
PC Diemaker Diemaker cuts as fast but leaves a softer finish.
AO Oil Treated
T2 General Purpose General Purpose is similar with a faster
breakdown.
T4 MMP Works well on aluminum and soft metals.
AB RA
TH General Purpose General Purpose is a very close match.
900-F Diemaker Diemaker will leave a finer finish.
Golden Star General Purpose
ROUGH OUT STONES Rough out