Advanced abrasive system
Advanced abrasive system
Keywords: SAL, Finishing, Abrasives
Trizact Structured Abrasives, from 3M Abrasive Systems, is available in the UK from the SAL Group. This advanced abrasive system claims to be an improvement on traditional finishing processes, especially where time and precision are vital factors in finishing components.
Reported to be tested and proven in the aerospace industry, Trizact, with its microreplication technology, claims excellent surface finish consistency while saving both production time and cost.
What makes Trizact different is thought to be the microreplicated pyramid structures covering the entire abrasive surface. Once the single surface of a traditional coated abrasive belt has worn away, its life is at an end and the belt needs changing. The high mineral content, pyramid structures, however, are said to give continual exposure of new abrasive particles, a process that is repeated many times, resulting in a significant increase in product life. Graded using the ansi system, Trizact's consistent rate of cut means that abrasive performance can be more accurately predicted.
On titanium, for example a Trizact 3M 237AA belt grade A65 (P280 equivalent)used dry on a back stand machine with a medium density contact wheel reportedly achieves five times the life of a traditional coated belt. In addition, the finish is more consistent which drastically reduces the buffing process.
According to its manufacturer, Trizact 3M 237AA belt grade H100 has been used successfully on titanium turbine blades to remove machining marks and to finish the component. This reportedly demonstrates a 500 per cent improvement on performance against a conventional abrasive. It is also said to be able to remove machining marks without putting penetrative scratches into the component's surface, eliminating one of the stages of the finishing process.
The claimed reduction in production costs achieved by Trizact is said to be the result of being able to remove certain stages in the finishing process. Indirect advantages are thought to include the elimination of buff and compound costs, no mess or grime and no degrease costs, plus the benefits in environmental terms. In the aerospace industry to date, Trizact claims, on average, to have achieved five to six times the life of a traditional abrasive belt.
Further details are available from SAL Group. Tel: +44 (0) 1257 271914; Fax:+44 (0) 1257 260702.
