3M™ Trizact™ Cloth Belt 337DC, A100 X-weight, 2 in x 132 in, Film-lok, No Flex, 5 ea/Case

The 3M Trizact Cloth Belt 337DC is a highly durable and reliable abrasive belt that offers a consistent sustained cut rate. Its exceptional performance is attributed to its uniquely engineered "bricks and channels" macroreplicated abrasive structure. This structure consists of uniform abrasive "bricks" that ensure fresh cutting mineral is always present at the working surface, while "channels" effectively sweep away debris to prevent loading and keep the substrate clean.

Unlike conventional aluminum oxide belts, the "bricks" of the Trizact Cloth Belt 337DC contain layers of mineral and grinding aid, up to four times more than standard belts of the same grade. This dense layering of abrasive mineral results in an extended lifespan and remarkably consistent performance. Additionally, the grinding aid incorporated in the belt protects heat-sensitive alloys from damage, reducing the need for rework. Trizact belts maintain their sharpness throughout their lifespan, delivering a consistent cut that often eliminates the need for multiple process steps. In fact, Trizact 337DC has the capability to grind and finish in a single step in many cases.

Building upon the principles of microreplication, 3M scientists have developed larger and more diverse abrasive structures, including cubes, spheres, and ridges. These structures are precisely and uniformly arranged across a film or cloth backing, forming a pattern that ensures sustained cut rate and eliminates belt-to-belt variation. The microreplication process allows 3M to design abrasives with varying shapes and formulations, enabling control over the level of breakdown, cut, finish, and lifespan.

Microreplication is a key technology that enables 3M to create abrasives that are highly effective in a wide range of applications. By precisely controlling the surface geometry of the abrasive structures, 3M can optimize their performance for specific materials and industries. This technology has been particularly successful in the aerospace, aviation, and medical industries, where Trizact belts have proven to be highly effective in finishing difficult processing materials such as titanium, cobalt, stainless steel, and exotic alloys. Trizact belts are also suitable for finishing applications on carbon steel, copper, bronze, aluminum, composite materials, and synthetics.

The Trizact Cloth 337DC belts are ideal for a variety of applications, including dry intermediate finishing, blending, scratch refinement, and final dimensioning. They can be used with robotic, semi-automated, automated, off-hand equipment, and portable file belt tools. For optimal performance, it is recommended to use Trizact Cloth 337DC belts with medium hardness contact wheels (50-70 Shore A), rubber contact wheels, or smooth face to gentle serrated contact wheels.

For example, when preparing drawn carbon steel truck exhausts for pre-plate finishes, we used a grade sequence of A100, A65, and A30 Trizact belts. The Trizact 337DC belt outlasted a competitor's belt by a ratio of 2:1. Similarly, in the blending, final dimensioning, and finishing of turbine engine components, the grade A45 Trizact 337DC belt outlasted a competitor's belt by a ratio of 4:1 and produced a finer finish.

Microreplication is just one of the core technologies developed by 3M. This technology allows for the precise arrangement of abrasive structures, resulting in abrasives that wear evenly, last longer, and provide more pristine finishes. The same science that makes 3M's structured abrasives highly effective in achieving perfect finishes on delicate components like medical implants also enhances the brightness of traffic signs and improves the capture and reflection of light in exterior building illumination.