Abrasive belt fettles faster

The new Cubitron belts now last on average 20 per cent longer than previous versions, but prices will remain the same. This new innovation from 3M is in addition to previous upgrades that improved Cubitron belt life in heat sensitive applications. The Cubitron grains are designed to continuously expose fresh cutting faces during use, ensuring a consistently sharp cut throughout the belt life. The new and improved products have better mineral retention, meaning belts last longer. In customer field tests, the new version of the 977F belt lasted 27 per cent longer than the current design when used with a backstand grinder to remove carbon steel gate from turbine blades. The new belt also required less pressure, helping to reduce operator fatigue. Similar results were also achieved with Inconel and titanium turbine blades and engine components. The new belts are available across the 3M range, including the 947D and 777F, and in a variety of grades, and they are available for manual or automated grinding systems.