The Smartest Way to Streamline Your Surface Conditioning Processes

In metalworking operations, efficiency is everything. You care a lot about the finished product, but you've also got to keep a keen eye on areas like productivity and worker safety. That means relying on methods and products that can get the job done quickly—without sacrificing quality or requiring rework. So when it comes to surface conditioning processes, we're here to show you why there's no smarter way to streamline these efforts than with the newly released line of Scotch-Brite™ Precision Surface Conditioning Discs.

Understanding the Design & Technology

By combining two flagship 3M technologies—nonwoven material and ceramic 3M Precision-Shaped Grain—the new Scotch-Brite™ Precision Surface Conditioning Discs enable metalworkers to get the ideal finish, faster. Here's how these two innovations have come together to revolutionize the industry.

The nonwoven web technology from Scotch-Brite™ is made with nylon that has been soaked in resin and abrasive mineral. The fibers and particles are bound together to form an open, three-dimensional structure. This construction provides spring-like action, which helps the product conform and bounce back without leaving an uneven finish. The material is consistent all the way through, and new abrasive mineral is exposed while you work. That amounts to extending the life of your disc so you can keep producing consistent finishes.

In combination with this nonwoven material, 3M Precision-Shaped Grain is a triangular-shaped ceramic grain designed with sharp, angular structures that continuously fracture to form new sharp cutting edges. It's designed to wear evenly, providing exceptional durability with remarkable consistency.

The newly released family of Scotch-Brite™ Precision Surface Conditioning Discs is the first time 3M Precision-Shaped Grain has been used in this nonwoven product type. The construction of the new product realizes the high performance expected from products containing 3M Precision-Shaped Grain in a nonwoven disc form, delivering next-level results and the consistency you've come to expect from the Scotch-Brite™ lineup.

Spanning an Array of Applications

These premium multi-purpose discs are designed to streamline surface conditioning processes for applications such as:

  • Cleaning: Remove undesirable coatings and contaminations from the surface without drastically changing surface geometry.
  • Finishing: Provide a final surface that has functional requirements or is visually appealing.
  • Deburring & Edge Break: Remove residual material from processed edges and alter edge geometry.
  • Radiusing: Provide a rounded profile to an edge and possible deburring.
  • Blending: Remove imperfections and merge the repaired section with the surrounding surface.
  • Refining: Transition the surface to a finish acceptable for an additional process step.
  • Light Grinding: Remove excess material and transition to the surface geometry of the surrounding area.

The grade range has been expanded to provide an even larger range of solutions for the job—from light grinding and precision detail work to multipurpose and heavy-duty solutions. The discs are available in Very Fine, Fine, Medium, Course and Extra Course for low-pressure applications on typical substrates including aluminum, soft metals, carbon steel and stainless steel.

Gleaning Major Performance Outcomes

This new addition to the Scotch-Brite™ lineup promises the consistency you've come to expect with increased cutting speed and longer abrasive life. Ultimately, they help get the job done faster, last longer, require less rework and reduce process time. With this smart way to streamline your surface conditioning processes, you can count on worthwhile outcomes such as:

  • Productivity: Scotch-Brite™ Precision Surface Conditioning Discs can do the job up to 40% faster on steel and with up to three times the life on aluminum versus other competitive nonwoven discs.
  • A Solution for Every Surface: These multipurpose precision surface conditioning discs cover the majority of relevant applications on different substrates. They are ideal for robotic applications because of their conformability and ability to stay in contact with complex-shaped parts.
  • Workflow Efficiency: These discs come in brighter, more vivid colors to make identification easier. They are also easy for new workers to use and get up to speed.
  • Uncompromising Quality: Scotch-Brite™ Precision Surface Conditioning Discs help to achieve the desired finish without damaging the application surface. This means less rework and minimized waste.
  • Repeatable Results: Whether you're cleaning, deburring or finishing, operators can easily achieve consistent, repeatable results.
  • Supported Safety Initiatives: Choose a multipurpose surface conditioning disc to reduce tool changes. Minimized tool changes help to improve worker safety.

Backed by a System of Success

To enhance surface conditioning performance, it's necessary to support your Scotch-Brite™ Precision Surface Conditioning Discs with the right back-up pad. These components should work cohesively to achieve the best possible results.

The new Scotch-Brite™ Universal Surface Conditioning Back-up Pad is designed to optimize the performance of nonwoven abrasive discs. It comes packaged with everything you need for quick and easy tool attachment, including three attachment nuts and an optional snap-in center post. Features include:

  • 3M™ Dual Lock™ attachment that helps enable quick, secure and easy disc changes
  • Performance and convenience at a value price point
  • Three different attachment nuts: M10, M14 and 5/8-11, as well as an optional snap-in center post
  • Threaded design for easy, secure attachment to tool
  • Low-profile design fits within most grinder guards
  • Available in 4", 4.5" and 5" diameters to accommodate corresponding Scotch-Brite™ nonwoven disc diameters

To get set up for a new level of productivity, combine Scotch-Brite™ Surface Conditioning Discs with this back-up pad and a 3M™ Angle grinder. Ultimately, this is the smartest way to streamline your surface conditioning processes and get the best results for your operation.

For more detailed information about how the new line of Scotch-Brite™ Precision Surface Conditioning Discs can support your metalworking processes, visit our product pages or reach out to our team of experts.