Cut risks, meet MIL-1689A, and save costs with proven grinding in shipbuilding.
In the high-stakes world of shipbuilding—where safety, contract compliance, and operational efficiency are non-negotiable—your abrasives partner matters. Whether you’re building commercial vessels or working under strict defense contracts, meeting back gouge welding standards like Mil Standard 1689A isn’t optional—it’s critical.
That’s where Weiler Abrasives steps in.
When a major U.S. shipbuilder transitioned from aluminum to steel, they ran into a grinding problem. Their go-to carbide blades weren’t cutting it—literally. Weld prep was falling short, and compliance was at risk. Costly delays, rework, and potential contract penalties loomed.
We didn’t just deliver a better abrasive—we delivered a complete solution.
Our local team partnered directly with the shipyard’s crew to understand their challenges on the ground. From tight, confined spaces to overhead work and extreme heat, we saw firsthand what shipyard operators face every day.
Using our Consumable Productivity process, we tested multiple abrasives under real conditions, evaluating everything from cut rate and wheel life to safety and ergonomics. The goal: a solution that performed under pressure—without compromising crew well-being.
The result? The Tiger Ceramic 1/8” combination wheel.
Its self-sharpening ceramic grains stayed cool and aggressive, even in high-heat, heavy-pressure grinding. That meant no more wheel glazing, no unsafe chipping, and no unnecessary downtime. The design delivered superior control, reduced chatter, and cut operator fatigue—especially in hard-to-reach areas.
The impact was immediate:
- Full compliance with MIL-1689A steel back gouge weld standards
- Estimated $20,000 in annual savings
- Fewer abrasive changes and faster workflow
- A safer, more comfortable working environment
And with our SPOT Safety Program, the shipyard gained clear, actionable guidance on PPE, guard use, wheel handling, and safe grinding angles—empowering their crew to work smarter and safer.
“Nobody captures and optimizes grinding costs in shipyard welding, like Weiler.”
If you’re under pressure to meet spec, control costs, and protect your crew, you need more than just a product—you need a proven process and a team that’s with you on the ground.
Let’s Talk
Find out how Weiler Abrasives can help your shipyard improve weld quality, meet MIL standards, and create a safer, more efficient grinding process.
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