Tools & Abrasives buying guideLast updated October 2026

Fickert and Frankfurt Abrasives

The consumables that put the gloss on factory slabs.

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Price level
Budget
Best to buy
Feb–Apr, Sep–Nov
Top sources
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Abrasive stones of different grits

Photo: Mauro Cateb, CC BY-SA 4.0

Overview

What it is

Fickert and Frankfurt are block-shaped abrasives mounted on the oscillating heads of slab and tile polishing lines. Fickert shapes are used on granite; Frankfurt shapes on marble and limestone.

They come in magnesite-bonded silicon carbide, resin-bonded diamond and metal-bond diamond, in a grit sequence from coarse calibrating grades to very fine polishing grades, finishing with lux (buffing) abrasives. Brush versions create leathered and antique finishes.

Shapes
Fickert (granite), Frankfurt (marble), round (tiles)
Bonds
Magnesite + SiC, resin diamond, metal diamond
Grits
Coarse calibrating grades to #3000 and lux
Key metrics
Cost per m² and gloss units (GU)

Applications

Best used for

  • Slab polishing linesThe full grit sequence.
  • Tile lines and calibratorsRound and satellite heads.
  • Leathered finishesBrush abrasives on the same heads.
  • Honed finishesStopping mid-sequence.

Origins

Which countries to source from

The producing countries that matter for fickert and frankfurt abrasives, what each is known for, and a direct link to vendors there.

Timing

Best time of year to buy

Consumables are bought all year, so timing is about stock: order ahead of the Lunar New Year shutdown in China and the August break in Italy, and buy trial quantities at the spring and autumn fairs.

  1. Jan: slower or pricier
  2. Feb: best time to buy
  3. Mar: best time to buy
  4. Apr: best time to buy
  5. May: normal
  6. Jun: normal
  7. Jul: normal
  8. Aug: slower or pricier
  9. Sep: best time to buy
  10. Oct: best time to buy
  11. Nov: best time to buy
  12. Dec: normal
Best time to buy Normal Slower or pricier
  • Chinese toolmakers close for Lunar New Year; place large orders by early December.
  • Italian and Spanish makers slow in August.
  • Hold four to eight weeks of stock of your fastest-moving tools to ride out shipping delays.

Import costs

Tariffs and import duties

Base duties for the main import markets, the extra US surcharge by origin, and the trade remedies to check before you quote a landed price.

HS codes

  • 6804.21Of agglomerated diamond
  • 6804.22Of other agglomerated abrasives

Base import duty (MFN)

  • United StatesFree to 2% + 5¢/kgDiamond abrasives free; resin-bonded other abrasives 5¢/kg + 2%.
  • European Union0% to 1.7%Diamond abrasives 1.7%; others 0%.
  • United Kingdom0%

Importing into the US? Add the 2026 origin surcharge

Section 301 rates in force since 24 July 2026, stacked on the MFN rate above.

  • Italy flagItaly10% min.Section 301 (2026) tops the duty up to at least 10% in total; no surcharge if MFN is already higher.
  • China flagChina+12.5% & 30112.5% Section 301 (2026) plus the legacy China Section 301 duty (25% on most stone and machinery lines), on top of MFN.
  • Brazil flagBrazil+37.5% & 30137.5% Section 301 (2026) plus the legacy China Section 301 duty (25% on most stone and machinery lines), on top of MFN.
  • Spain flagSpain10% min.Section 301 (2026) tops the duty up to at least 10% in total; no surcharge if MFN is already higher.
  • China-origin tools carry the legacy US Section 301 duty plus the 2026 surcharge; Korean tools pay at least 12.5% in total.

Rates checked October 2026. Indicative rates for planning, not a customs ruling. Duties depend on the exact tariff line, origin, trade agreements and the rules in force on the day of entry. Confirm with a licensed customs broker before you price an order.

Before you order

Buying checklist

  1. 1Match the bond to your stone and line speed.
  2. 2Trial one head set and measure gloss and consumption before switching.
  3. 3Keep the grit sequence consistent; skipping grits leaves scratches.
  4. 4Store magnesite abrasives dry; they absorb moisture.

Price level: Cheap per piece; cost per square metre polished is what matters.

Vendor Network

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