Menzerna 523 NG: Full Performance – Completely Quartz-Free

Polishing metal surfaces requires maximum precision, consistent quality – and full compliance with occupational safety standards. For many years, quartz was considered an essential component of polishing compounds: cost-effective, widely available, and highly abrasive. Today, however, we know that quartz dust can be hazardous under certain conditions. Products containing quartz must therefore be labelled accordingly and require special protective measures.

With the new pre-polishing compound 523 NG, Menzerna presents the solution. 523 NG delivers the same fast cutting performance as its quartz-based predecessor – but contains no quartz at all. The result: premium surfaces without health risks in the workplace.

Why eliminate quartz?

Quartz flour consists of sharp-edged crystals that enable fast material removal during polishing. But these microscopic particles become hazardous when they are smaller than 2.5 µm and can penetrate deep into the lungs. According to occupational safety regulations, companies must therefore conduct a substitution test – and switch to safer alternatives whenever possible.

Quartz-containing compounds are also subject to mandatory labelling. For operators, this means: more effort in occupational safety, more documentation, additional PPE – and often limitations in practical use

Menzerna 523 NG – the quartz-free solution with professional performance

With the revised formulation of the proven 523, Menzerna takes a consistent step towards safety and sustainability. The new 523 NG contains quartz-free, industrially manufactured polishing minerals (aluminium oxides) that fully match - and in some cases exceed - the performance of quartz.

These synthetic abrasives are produced in controlled processes, allowing precise adjustment of hardness, shape, and particle size distribution. This guarantees uniform cutting action, high surface quality, and excellent reproducibility.

Three clear advantages of Menzerna Solid Compound 523 NG

1. No labelling required – safe to use
→ Quartz-free, no health risks, no mandatory respirators at the polishing station
→ Easy handling, reduced occupational safety requirements

2. Strong performance under demanding process conditions
→ High cutting performance on stainless steel and non-ferrous metals
→ Fast, even matt finishing and clean surfaces, even at high cutting speeds

3. Sustainability from formulation to application
→ Free from natural minerals
→ Consistent quality, reduced scrap, longer service life

Conclusion: Quartz is the past – 523 NG is the future.

With the new 523 NG, Menzerna has developed a solid compound that meets increasing demands for health protection, sustainability, and performance – with no compromises in quality.