User Guide

Need a better finish?
Start with the right abrasive.
The unique microreplicated construction of 3M
™
Trizact
™
Abrasives can deliver:
• consistent, predictable finishes
• higher, more even rates of cut
• cooler grinding and finishing temperatures
• reduced processing steps
It starts with microreplication.
3M, the inventor of and leading authority on microreplication
technology, brings you microreplicated Trizact abrasives.
Microreplication is:
• a patented 3M technology
• the science of creating small, precisely shaped, three-
dimensional structures and then reproducing them on
a variety of surfaces
The difference is in the construction.
Trizact abrasives allow you to say “goodbye” to erratic,
inconsistent finishes generated by conventional coated
abrasives. Here’s why:
3M
™
Trizact
™
Abrasives have three-dimensional structures
containing multiple layers of abrasive mineral. As these
pyramid-like structures wear, fresh, sharp mineral is exposed.
Conventional abrasives start out sharp, but they dull quickly.
4
6
5
Three-dimensional structures uniformly distributed over the
entire surface of 3M
™
Trizact
™
Abrasives (pictured left) ensure
consistent performance and eliminate belt-to-belt variation.
Conventional abrasives (pictured right), which feature
randomly arranged minerals, wear and finish unevenly.
Notice the very consistent finish of 3M
™
Trizact
™
Abrasives
compared to the irregular performance of conventional
abrasives on 304 Stainless Steel.
While its initial cut is not as high, 3M
™
Trizact
™
Abrasives
maintain their high rate of cut much longer in comparison
to conventional abrasives on 304 Stainless Steel.
Cut Rate (grams/min)
Time
Conventional Abrasive
Trizact Abrasive
Time
Finish (micro-inches)
Conventional Abrasive
Trizact Abrasive
Trizact abrasives deliver results.
Trizact abrasive belts last up to five times longer
than conventional belts, making them very cost
effective.
Test results verify that:
• Trizact abrasive belts last 2-5 times longer than
conventional belts
• operators can reduce grade sequences,
which in turn lowers abrasive costs
Reduced operator fatigue.
Because Trizact abrasives maintain a higher cut rate for
the life of the belt, they’re less tiring to use.
Operator applies even pressure throughout the life of the
belt, reducing operator fatigue and minimizing the
frequency of overcutting.
More desirable finish.
Trizact abrasive belts start sharp and stay sharp, resulting
in more predictable finishes. Since Trizact abrasives
deliver a better finish, you’ll see improved quality in
your parts.
13
15
Lower is finer.
The unique construction of Trizact abrasives requires
a different grading system. Grade is defined by the
average particle size in microns and begins with an
“A.” Trizact abrasive belts are available in grades
A5 through A160 in widths up to 26 inches. The
Table below shows the Trizact abrasive grade
comparison to conventional abrasive grades. As you
can see, the lower the A-grade, the finer the grade.
The finish line.
Trizact abrasives are currently available in four product lines to meet a variety of metal finishing requirements.
3M 407EA
The quick cutting action of
3M 407EA makes it the
product of choice for
titanium aerospace
components and other
nonferrous applications,
including brass and
aluminum, requiring a
flexible abrasive with
silicon carbide mineral.
Available grades:
A110, A90, A60, A20
3M 307EA
A flexible cloth backing
and aluminum oxide
mineral makes 3M 307EA
the perfect choice for
critical preplate surface
finishes.
Available grades:
A100, A80, A65, A45
A30, A16, A6
3M 253FA
Combining aluminum
oxide mineral with a
waterproof backing,
3M 253FA is ideal for
wet-finishing operations.
Available grades:
A130, A100, A80, A65, A45
A30, A16, A6
3M 237AA
Choose 3M 237AA to
finish stainless steel knives,
cutlery and other products
requiring a semi-flexible
abrasive with aluminum
oxide mineral.
Available grades:
A160, A100, A80, A65
A45, A30, A16, A6
Trizact
FEPA
Abrasive Grade
(P-Grade)
(Average mineral size in microns)
A5 P3000
A6 P2500
A10
A16 P1200
A20 P800
A30
A35 P600
A45 P400
P320
A60
A65
P240
A80
A90 P220
A100
A110 P180
A130 P150
A160 P120
16
2
17
18
19
14