Gulf Construction Online - 3M raises the bar in abrasives, adhesives

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3M Cubitron II discs ... running longer than conventional abrasives.

3M raises the bar in abrasives, adhesives

01 March 2012

3M, a leader in research and development, has recently launched in the region two innovative products, the 3M Cubitron II and 3M Scotch-Weld as part of the company’s adhesives and abrasives range of products.

“These products have set high benchmarks as the preferred abrasive and adhesive applications for the construction industry worldwide, and 3M Gulf is now introducing these products for its customers across the Middle East region,” says Fadi Medlej, country business leader 3M Industrial and Transportation.

With decades of experience in ceramic, abrasive and micro-replication technologies, 3M has literally reinvented abrasives with 3M Cubitron II products, he states. Starting with a patented, precision-shaped ceramic abrasive grain, 3M engineers found a way to electrostatically orient each triangular structure to maximise cutting potential.

As a result, each individual precision-shaped ceramic grain acts like a cutting tool, slicing through metal like a knife, and continuously self-sharpens as points break off. This allows 3M Cubitron II belts and discs to run cooler and keep on working, long after conventional abrasives have dulled, shelled, glazed over and been tossed out, Medlej claims.

Also, building on its long track record in engineering adhesives and sealants, 3M has introduced a new range of 3M Scotch-Weld industrial adhesives and sealants to help industrial customers in the design and production of improved engineering solutions. Delivering fast curing speeds, reliable bonding and flexible application, the Scotch-Weld range results from advanced adhesives technologies that 3M is continuously developing industry-wide.

The new range comprises 3M Scotch-Weld threadlockers designed to meet the needs of OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) for their assembly, maintenance, upgrade and overhaul projects, according to Rhodora Cruz, industrial business marketing coordinator.

The product is available in a wide range of strengths and viscosities, allowing its use across a broad spectrum of general engineering and automotive applications.

The single component is easy to apply and fills gaps between mating metal threads preventing loosening on account of vibration; it seals against leakage and corrosion and offers excellent fluid resistance. 3M Scotch-Weld threadlockers replace traditional mechanical methods such as lock washers, split pins, Nylok nuts and wiring, thus reducing weight, inventory and cost.

The second product in the range is Scotch-Weld pipe sealants, which are formulated to seal pipe threads, preventing the escape of gaseous and liquid materials such as water, oil and gas. It replaces PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) tape, is available as a single component, provides low-cost joints that do not shred, is solvent free and easy to dissemble even after long periods.

Other products in the range include Scotch-Weld gasket makers that are described as being ideal for creating a reliable joint between two mounted flanges or surfaces. These gasket makers provide a durable, flexible and temperature-resistant sealant. They don’t contaminate hydraulic and pneumatic systems, don’t shrink, crack, sag or run, and fill surface imperfections, reducing machining costs. The product can be used in water, oil and fuel pumps, electric motor end covers, compressors, thermostat housing and most machined metal faces.

The Scotch-Weld range also comprises UV (ultraviolet) curing adhesives used for bonding most glass, metal and plastic combinations where at least one surface will allow UV penetration. Other products include the Scotch-Weld retaining compounds, which are suitable for bonding parts such as bearings, shafts, hubs and bolts, are available in high temperature grades and are easily dispensed manually or automatically; Scotch-Weld surface preparation, which consist of cleaners, activators and primers to clean surfaces, enhance cure speeds and allow bonding on low surface energy materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene and even Teflon.