Hermes RB515 (SiC + Cork) & Norton W445 (Pure Cork) Belts – Controlled Finishing Belts Made to Your Size

Choose from two specialist finishing belt options designed for applications where surface quality, consistency, and control matter more than aggressive stock removal: Hermes RB515 (Silicon Carbide + Cork mix) and Norton W445 (Pure Cork).

Both belt types are commonly selected for refinement and finishing stages where a conventional coated abrasive belt can feel too harsh. Cork-based belts are valued for a more forgiving contact, helping improve uniformity and reduce the risk of heavy scratch marks in appearance-critical processes.

Use our Belt Calculator to order either option in custom belt sizes and choose the grade/grit that matches your finishing requirement.

Option 1: Hermes RB515 – Silicon Carbide + Cork Mix (Up to Grit 1000)

RB515 combines silicon carbide (SiC) with a cork construction to deliver a controlled, fine cutting action suitable for finishing and scratch refinement. Silicon carbide is a sharp abrasive grain that helps achieve a clean, refined surface, while cork helps keep the action more controlled and uniform.

• SiC + cork mix for controlled cutting and refinement
• Fine finishing capability with options up to Grit 1000
• Helps reduce harsh scratch patterns compared to more aggressive coated abrasives
• Useful as a process step before polishing or final finishing (process dependent)

Please note: Due to the SiC/cork construction, RB515 belts can have relatively large cork particles visible on the surface. This can make the belt appear much coarser than it actually performs (visually similar to a very coarse grit such as P36). In practice, it is a finishing belt — the cork compresses and levels out very quickly once the belt is in use. Some customers prefer to “dress” the belt first by running it briefly against a piece of metal before starting on the workpiece, which helps settle the surface.

Option 2: Norton W445 – Pure Cork Belt

Norton W445 is a pure cork belt (no silicon carbide abrasive grain). Pure cork belts are typically used where the belt acts as a finishing and conditioning medium, often to support specific surface finishing workflows.

• Pure cork construction (no SiC abrasive grain)
• Very controlled action for refinement/conditioning steps
• Often used in finishing sequences where a softer contact is required
• Helpful for appearance consistency and surface conditioning (process dependent)

Which Should I Choose: RB515 vs W445?

In simple terms: choose RB515 when you still need a fine abrasive cut (silicon carbide) for scratch refinement. Choose W445 when you want a pure cork belt for conditioning and very controlled finishing stages.

Order the Exact Belt Size You Need

With our online abrasive belt calculator, you can:

• Enter your belt width and length
• Choose grit size (up to 1000 for RB515 or pure cork for W445)
• Get instant pricing
• Avoid ordering incorrect sizes

This ensures the belt you receive is made specifically for your machine, reducing downtime and waste.

Common Questions

Is RB515 the same as W445?
No. RB515 is a silicon carbide + cork mix (abrasive) and is available up to Grit 1000.
W445 is a pure cork belt (non-abrasive).

Are cork belts used for heavy stock removal?
No — these are typically used for refinement and finishing where surface appearance and control are the priority.

When should I choose RB515?
When you need a fine abrasive action (silicon carbide) for scratch refinement and controlled finishing.

When should I choose W445?
When you want a pure cork belt for conditioning and very controlled finishing stages where you don’t want abrasive cutting.

Can I order custom belt sizes?
Yes — use the belt calculator to set your belt dimensions.