3m Abrasives Driving Down Costs For Cast, Forged And Manufactured Metalworking.

March 3, 2009 - PRLog -- 3M, the diversified technology company, is launching a new Cubitron belt formulation that helps drive down the costs of manufacturing. Targeted at gate and stock removal operations, particularly in the turbine blade, medical implant and engineered castings sectors, the new Cubitron belts now last on average 20 per cent longer than previous versions.

Available in March 2009, prices will remain the same, but users will benefit from reduced costs and efficiency increases. 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. Cubitron belts from 3M are available for manual or automated grinding systems.

“The new and improved Cubitron Metal Working Belts help manufacturers reduce costs by using fewer belts and increase efficiency by cutting down-time,” says Henry Blackman, product manager for 3M’s Abrasive Systems Division. “Some intensive users, in the turbine blade sector for example, have to change belts several times a day, and increased belt life means machines can work harder for longer.”

Blackman continues: “Belts with improved mineral retention will be available from March – the product and part numbers remain the same, but performance has improved. Look out for the ‘New and Improved’ sticker.

3M Metalworking belts with Cubitron grain will be available from regular 3M suppliers.

ENDS

3M and Cubitron are trademarks of 3M Company

Photographs
High resolution versions available from Clive Mott by email clive.mott@m-eng.com

Sales Enquiries
3M Abrasive Systems
Customer Service Group
3M House, 28 Great Jackson Street, Manchester, M15 4PA, UK.
tel:      +44 (0) 1612 376390
fax:     +44 (0) 1612 371106
email:  abrasives.uk@mmm.com
www.3m.com/uk/abrasives

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3M is a $24.5 billion diversified technology company which, since 1902, has been creating innovative products that help make the world smarter, faster, healthier and safer. Well known 3M brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate and Scotch-Brite.
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