Important Changes to the 3M Sanding Line for Optimal Performance & Dust Extraction

From metal fabrication and woodworking to primer, gelcoat and composite sanding, the performance of your tools matters. Industrial sanding applications demand no less than powerful abrasive solutions—ones that work double duty to extract dust easily and efficiently, keeping both the sanding surface and work area clean. Continuously innovating to meet these needs, 3M has introduced new products to its sanding line, all designed to improve the experience and performance of your sanding efforts.

Replacing some current offerings is a new line of tools and accessories ergonomically designed for ease of use and maximum dust extraction so you don't have to compromise high performance for dust management. Find out how these cutting-edge solutions have been optimized to tackle all of your sanding projects while keeping your work area virtually dust-free.

What's New, and What's Discontinued?

New to the 3M line of sanding products is the 3M Xtract™ Net Disc 310W and 3M Xtract™ Clean Sanding Tools, the perfect compliment to your 3M Xtract™ Cubitron™ II Net Disc 710W. With the 3M Xtract™ platform, you get solutions that perform well on a variety of substrates, featuring three disc options to help meet your specific needs. The unique hole pattern available only from 3M supports up to 99% dust extraction plus an industry-leading cut rate, and it's designed to require less pressure.

As part of the effort to bring more effective, productive solutions to its line, 3M is phasing out select 3M™ Elite Random Orbital Sanders and Clean Sanding Filter Bags. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect to see replaced by new products.

How Does the New Line of Sanding Solutions Outperform?

Imagine a cleaner workspace, where sanding is virtually dust-free. With the new 3M Xtract™ Clean Sanding Solutions, performance and dust extraction don't compromise. This line is a one-stop shop for all of your sanding applications. From net discs to random orbital sanders and portable dust extraction units, it includes everything you need to help boost productivity and part quality in your operation.

The 3M Xtract™ Clean Sanding Solutions feature innovative abrasive disks that are designed to enhance the sanding process in basically any industry, from woodworking, automotive and marine to rail and aerospace. While prolonging abrasive effectiveness to help save time and money, these solutions reduce the dust being produced during sanding. Ultimately, there's less dust in the air, and less of a mess being created in the first place. All of that means you can support a workplace with minimized exposure to dust and particulates, thereby improving safety and productivity.

Essentially, with 3M Xtract™ Clean Sanding Solutions, you can expect to experience:

• A cleaner work environment, with less exposure to dust and fine particles
• Productivity enhancements, as there's less time required to clean up the work area
• Improved sanding results as an outcome of having less dust on your substrates that can compromise the finished product

So, how is this achieved? The open-weave net structure of the 3M Xtract™ line of sanding discs enables the abrasive to put every created dust particle near a dust extraction hole. As you sand, dust is pulled through the mesh surface of a 3M Xtract™ sanding disc and into a backing pad that is continuously being ventilated through a vacuum exhaust system.

These new sanding discs are constructed using a net backing, which allows for a consistent airflow to clear the materials from the backing and padding, and out of your work area through a filtered exhaust system. Plus, all of them use a hook and loop connection to make switching discs quick and easy, featuring three disc options to handle a variety of materials like wood, putties or even just a difficult coating.

What Does the Complete Range of Tools Include?

Following is a breakdown of all the products that make up the 3M Xtract™ line of clean sanding solutions:

• 3M Xtract™ Electric Random Orbital Sander, featuring an ergonomic and lightweight design, powerful 350W motor, HMI and illuminated power indicator, soft touch grip with molded-in grip features, and the ability to stay cool and comfortable even with long working times.
• 3M Xtract™ Pneumatic Random Orbital Sander, the Elite Sander we know and love with an upgraded color scheme to match the electric random orbital sander. It's built with powerful, precision-balanced air-driven motors and durable, lightweight aluminum housings—high-quality components that stand up to long hours on the shop floor.
• 3M Xtract™ Portable Dust Extractor, offering maximum dust extraction, right by your side. With its compact, sturdy design, connect air or electric tools for on-demand vacuum capabilities. High-collection filters are included.
• 3M™ Clean Sanding Filter Bag, redesigned to comply with HEPA rating when used with the full 3M Xtract™ dust extraction system.

By allowing up to 97 percent of the dust created through sanding to be easily extracted with these tools, you get a cleaner and more efficient work area. And the exclusive, industry-leading precision-shaped grain technology is designed to provide improved cuts, which help prolong abrasive effectiveness, helping you save time and money, all while keeping your site clean.

For more detailed information about how 3M's new and improved sanding line can support your industrial sanding efforts, visit our product pages or reach out to our team of experts.