Diversified technology company 3M has introduced a range of bonded abrasive grinding wheels into the European market which are set to offer an innovative new approach to the grinding process. Employing the highly advanced abrasive grain technology, precision shaped grain, introduced with the Cubitron II Abrasive Belts and Discs from 3M, now well established in the market, the new grinding wheels cut faster, last longer and require significantly less pressure than conventional grinding wheels. This results in increased productivity and reduced operator fatigue.
Suitable for heavy weld removal as well as numerous other grinding applications, Cubitron II Bonded Abrasive Grinding Wheels are capable of delivering extremely high cut rates on an extensive range of metals, making them ideal for shipbuilding, maintenance and repair .
David Atherton, senior marketing executive for the 3M Abrasive Systems Division, explains: “This is an innovative grinding technology that cuts faster and lasts longer – tests have shown that the new grinding wheels achieve significantly increased output when compared with conventional products. The introduction of Cubitron II Bonded Abrasive Grinding Wheels from 3M can have a major positive impact on the essential metalwork required for shipbuilding.
Cutting edge technology
The irregularity of conventional ceramic grain results in it ‘ploughing’ through metal, causing a build-up of heat and resulting in a slower cutting rate; this directly affects product durability, potentially resulting in shorter life. In contrast, precision shaped grain technology features precisely-shaped, uniformly-sized and vertically-oriented triangles of ceramic abrasive. These self-sharpening structures fracture as they wear, forming new, super-sharp points and edges, which slice cleanly through metal, rather than gouging or ‘ploughing’, allowing the grinding wheel to stay cool and last longer. This has the potential to deliver significant advantages in productivity and consistency, as well as longer service life.
An additional benefit is that Cubitron II products substantially reduce the amount of pressure an operator needs to apply compared with traditional grinding wheels made from aluminium oxide, zirconia and ceramic grain.
David Atherton continues: “This technology is truly remarkable, allowing operators to increase productivity with considerably less physical effort. These grinding wheels require only a third of the pressure to produce the same cut. This considerably reduces physical stress on the operators and helps them to remove much more material with the same amount of effort.”
