Bonn, Germany - The VDS turns 100 years old today, January 17^th, 2017. The association saw its birth in the turmoil of the First World War, when a group of dedicated abrasive manufacturers recognizing the increasing scarcity of raw materials and energy combined their forces to ensure the survival of many companies. 

Paris, France - The Unified Abrasives Manufacturers Association (UAMA), representing the American producers of abrasive products, held its Fall business meetings from November 9^th to 11^th, in Newport, Rhode Island, USA. 

For this occasion, FEPA members, experts from the European abrasive producer’s community, were invited to meet their American counterparts. Both organisations strive for the improvement of abrasive products safety and for raising awareness among the end-users on how to safely use the products.Abrasives products are commonly used in all industries, from mechanical, car, electronics to construction and building industries, and by DIYers to cut off, grind, polish, finish, and drill.

Paris, France - The revision of the EN 13743 was approved today by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). The changes concern mainly:

1. The opening of the scope to abrasives coated with diamond and cBN grains and combination of coated and non-woven abrasives
2. Modifications in table 5: dimensional limitations and maximum operating speeds
3. The inclusion of sanding discs to different backing materials (not only fibre discs)
4. Editorial amendments and standard and bibliographical references