How abrasives work.

In general terms, abrasive materials are hard, sharp, mineral grains that are either found in nature or man-made. When bonded to a suitable substrate, they are used to cut, shape or finish a workpiece through friction. Abrasives have many uses in industrial applications, they are used extensively in metalworking as their grains are strong enough to penetrate the toughest of metals, allowing metalworkers to:

• Clean surfaces
• Remove excess material
• Shape other materials - form grinding and tool sharpening
• Alter the size of materials - precision grinding
• Separate sections of material - cut-off or slicing operations

Not all abrasives are created equally.

Not all abrasives are created equally, however when it comes to metalwork high performing abrasives make all the difference. Conventional grains can be inefficient, precision shaped grains, on the other hand, are designed to last longer, stay sharper for longer, grind or cut faster and run cooler for maximum efficiency and productivity.

Conventional grains

Since most abrasive grains are manufactured with conventional crushing and screening techniques, rather than mined, they come in particles of various shapes and sizes. When these grains are coated onto an abrasive backing, the result is a random distribution of grain that is irregular in shape and size. This irregular cutting surface results in a “ploughing” effect as it cuts through the material. This ploughing causes heat to build up in the workpiece and the abrasive, which dulls the grain, causing it to cut more slowly, reduce consumable life and add time to the grinding process.

Precision-shaped grains

Comprised of similarly sized triangles precision-shaped grains fracture as they wear to expose new sharp edges that cut cleanly, instead of gouging or ploughing through the metal. This action prevents heat from building up in the workpiece – reducing heat-related stress cracks and discolouration. Furthermore, because the abrasive itself stays cooler and sharper, it lasts longer than conventional grain.

The science of precision-shaped grain.

Pioneered by 3M, this revolutionary breakthrough technology capitalised on two core technologies: microreplication and ceramics. Microreplication technology uses tiny, precisely shaped structures to give materials new physical or optical properties to produce small three-dimensional precision-shaped grains that structurally resemble triangles. First introduced in 2009 in a range of fibre discs and belts, their geometry creates a precise and consistent abrasive surface that is ideal for metal finishing applications.

Crafted from uniformly sized triangles of ceramic aluminium oxide, 3M precision-shaped grains are designed to break away as they wear, continuously forming new sharp points and edges, resulting in a self-sharpening effect. These grains wear evenly, are more durable and consistently slice through metal like a knife, instead of gouging or ploughing.

The video below illustrates how precision-shaped grain stacks up against conventional grains to increase efficiency and productivity.

Going the distance...3M precision shaped grain abrasive solutions.

3M abrasive solutions incorporating precision-shaped grains cut faster, last longer and leave a better finish. The fact that the grains stay sharp over their life means that workshops can enjoy fast, consistent cut rates throughout the long life of the abrasive. These improvements allow abrasive wheels to remove more material with less pressure. Data reveals that competitive products require significantly more pressure to match the cut of these abrasives. These abrasives are capable of cutting faster, staying sharper longer, and cutting with less pressure than their traditional counterparts – all of which can help reduce operator fatigue and improve productivity.

From sanding belts to grinding wheels and everything in between, we have a family of products in the 3M™ Cubitron™ II range for metal applications ideal for use in a broad range of industries that include our precision-shaped grain technology. These high performing abrasives are not only good for workers as it helps them carry out their craft faster and better, it’s also good for businesses and their bottom line.

For more information about precision-shaped grain abrasives to meet the needs of your specific application and to help you make the right choice, view our catalogue and meet the complete precision-shaped grain abrasives team.

Precision-Shaped
Grain Abrasives
Catalogue

Alternatively explore our Metalworking and Metal Fabrication page, or contact your 3M Abrasive System Specialist.