First GDS × AAA co-branded range
GDS BLACK STAR
The first abrasive stone range developed through the partnership between GDS and 3A Sangyo builds on the Japanese manufacturer’s BLACK STONE experience and carries a dedicated marking: GDS BLACK STAR — Manufactured in Japan by AAA.
Project origin
A GDS stone built on specialist Japanese know-how
GDS BLACK STAR is the first product family developed within the GDS × 3A Sangyo partnership and uses the Japanese manufacturer’s BLACK STONE series as its technical reference.
The range has been created to offer the Italian market an abrasive stone specifically positioned for mold finishing, with clear origin, a focused selection of sizes and grits, and a dedicated GDS commercial identity.
The product proposition is therefore built around three values: mold & die specialization, Japanese manufacturing and local GDS support.
- Manufactured in Japan by AAA / 3A Sangyo
- Co-branded range for the Italian market
- Sizes selected by GDS
- Initial range of four grits
- Positioned for fine finishing
- Preparation for final polishing
Agreed product marking
Manufactured in Japan by AAA
For the first production run, GDS and 3A Sangyo agreed on a dedicated marking for the new range. The aim is to give the GDS line a distinctive identity while keeping the Japanese origin and manufacturer clearly visible.
Technical positioning
Expected characteristics of the GDS BLACK STAR range
Based on the available information for the BLACK STONE series, GDS BLACK STAR is positioned as a silicon-carbide (SiC) stone with a medium-soft behavior, designed to conform quickly to detailed shapes and intended for fine-finishing stages before diamond-paste polishing.
SiC abrasive
The reference BLACK STONE series uses silicon carbide and is intended for controlled finishing work on molds and technical components.
Medium-soft behavior
The medium-soft behavior helps the stone conform to detailed shapes and promotes renewal of the abrasive surface during manual use.
Fine finishing
The range is intended for surface-refinement stages after heavier stock removal and before final polishing.
Preparation for diamond paste
The family is positioned as a technical preparation step before subsequent polishing with diamond compounds or pastes.
Practical sections for mold makers
The sizes selected by GDS cover narrow, intermediate and wide sections for surfaces, shoulders, slots and areas with different access conditions.
Specialist product
The value of the line lies in the combination of specialist Japanese manufacturing, focused range selection and GDS technical-commercial support.
Initial imported range
Sizes and grits currently planned for GDS BLACK STAR
The first GDS introduction focuses on four cross-sections considered particularly useful for mold finishing: 3×6×150 mm, 3×13×150 mm, 6×13×150 mm and 6×25×150 mm. All four sizes will initially be available in grits 320, 400, 600 and 1200.
| Cross-section | Length | Available grits | Application notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 × 6 mm | 150 mm | 320 / 400 / 600 / 1200 | Narrow section for details, small grooves and areas with limited access. |
| 3 × 13 mm | 150 mm | 320 / 400 / 600 / 1200 | Thin but more stable format for linear surfaces and medium-width contact areas. |
| 6 × 13 mm | 150 mm | 320 / 400 / 600 / 1200 | One of the most versatile sections for general manual mold finishing. |
| 6 × 25 mm | 150 mm | 320 / 400 / 600 / 1200 | Wide section suited to larger surfaces and regular preparation steps before polishing. |
How to read the range
A simple initial selection designed for practical testing
For the launch, GDS has deliberately chosen a clear and manageable assortment: four key sizes and four grits. This makes customer trials easier and helps build practical feedback on the most useful sections and the most effective grit sequences.
The range may be expanded later according to field results and further evaluation together with 3A Sangyo.
Sampling and development
GDS support for product introduction and testing
GDS can support the customer in selecting sizes and grits to test, taking into account mold material, current finishing stage and the final polishing level required.
Applications
Where GDS BLACK STAR can be particularly useful
Detailed mold finishing
Radii, grooves, shoulders, transition areas and difficult-to-reach sections where a stone that conforms easily to the geometry is valuable.
Preparation for polishing
Intermediate or final stone-finishing steps before diamond paste, when the objective is to refine and uniform the surface in a controlled way.
Maintenance and touch-up
Manual repair or touch-up operations where a defined cross-section and progressive grit range are useful.
Learn more
Would you like more information or to test GDS BLACK STAR?
Tell us the mold material, the finishing stage where you would like to use the stone, the sizes you are most interested in and the grit sequence you currently use. GDS can suggest a suitable combination for an application trial.