3M™ Abrasives and Power Tools
for Stainless Steel Finishing
Now Includes
™
3M
for Exceptional Life!
Fibre Disc 987C
Systems for
Stainless Steel
Finishing
The Efficient and Economical Way
to Produce Exceptional Finishes.
Page 2
™
3M
Stainless Steel Finishing System — Weld Leveling to Final Finish in 3 Easy Steps
Step 1 – Leveling the Weld
Using the following products for weld leveling helps
prepare stainless steel for #3 and #4 finishes.
Recommended Starting Points
NEW!
3M™ Cubitron™ II Fibre Disc 987C
(Grade 60+; 7" diameter)
• Made with 3M precision-shaped
ceramic grain for ultra-fast cut
and exceptional life.
• Includes a grinding aid for cooler
running temperatures.
3M™ Fibre Disc 785C
(Grade 60; 7" diameter)
• Contains 3M™ Ceramic Aluminum
Oxide blend abrasive grain.
• An excellent starting point for
stainless steel and high nickel alloys.
• Includes a grinding aid for cooler
running temperatures.
Work Hint: Use the finest grade of abrasive that gets the job done; finer
grind lines are easier to remove. Align the grind line scratches with the grain
line direction of the original stock. Perpendicular scratches are more difficult
to blend; parallel scratches blend easily during finishing. Use a 7" dia. black
ribbed faceplate to level the weld quickly and leave fine grind lines.
3M Precision-Shaped Grain
Triangular-shaped grain (top) is electrostatically oriented to form sharp
peaks, each acting like individual cutting tools that wear evenly for super
long life and consistency at any grinding pressure.
Step 2 – Setting the GrainStep 3 – Final Finishing: Choose Your Finish
Use these products to generate a directional scratch
to prepare stainless steel for final finishing.
Recommended Starting Point
3M™ Belt 777F
(Grade P120)
• Contains 3M™ Ceramic Aluminum Oxide blend
abrasive grain with polyester cloth backing.
• Contains a grinding aid which enhances
performance on stainless steel and other
exotic alloys.
Recommended Tools and Speeds:
3M™ Inline Sander (PN28339) — 3,500 RPM
with 3M™ Expander Wheels (PNs 28348 or 28349)
Work Hint: Attempt to stay as close as possible to the weld area to minimize final
blending. Be careful when selecting the abrasive grade, as severe grind lines will
result in more conditioning time and reduced productivity.
Generate a #3 through a #8 stainless steel finish
with these 3M Products.
Recommended Starting Point for
#3 Stainless Steel Finish
Scotch-Brite™ Surface
Conditioning Belt
(A Coarse)
• Premium surface conditioning
non-woven web belt.
• Designed for cleaning, nishing,
and light deburring.
• Reduces loading and heat
build-up which increases life
and performance.
Recommended Tools and Speeds:
• 3M™ Inline Sander (PN28338) — 1,600 RPM
with 3M™ Expander Wheel (PN28348) 5" dia.
• 3M™ Inline Sander (PN28339) — 3,500 RPM
with 3M™ Expander Wheel (PN28349) 3.4" dia.
Alternative Selections
3M™ Belt 747D (Grade P120)
• Contains 3M™ Ceramic Aluminum Oxide blend
abrasive grain.
• Cloth belt constructed on a X-wt. durable cloth
backing with semi-flexible handling characteristics.
• Includes a grinding aid for cooler
running temperatures.
Recommended Tools and Speeds:
3M™ Rubber Slotted Expander Wheels (PN77720*)
3M™ Die Grinder (PN20239) — 12,000 RPM
*Use with 2" diameter x 1" wide abrasive band or belt.
3M™ Flap Wheels 747D (Grade 80; 3" x 1" x 1/4")
• Contains 3M™ Ceramic Aluminum Oxide blend
abrasive grain.
• Constructed on a resin-bonded X-wt.,
durable cloth backing.
• Provides a uniform nish.
• Features a grinding aid for cooler grinding
of stainless steel.
Recommended Tools and Speeds:
3M™ Die Grinder (PN20238) — 18,000 RPM (3" dia.)
Work Hint: Finish a small area on the corner of the piece.
Examine the finish from several angles. The match, while not
exact, will be close. With a little practice you can “feather” in and
out of the repair area. A few slow passes should restore the finish.
Use the longest stroke that is comfortable. Working with the grain,
ease off pressure on both ends of the strokes.
Alternative Selection
Scotch-Brite™ Multi-Finishing Wheel
(2S Coarse)
• Produces uniform grain nishes on stainless
steel and other metals.
• Highly conformable and tough enough to nish
edges and welds.
• Works well on large surfaces.
• 6" wheels are available in 1", 2" and 3" widths.
• Designed for cleaning, nishing
and light deburring.
Recommended Tools and Speeds:
• 3M™ Inline Sander (PN28338) — 1,600 RPM
with 3M™ Expander Wheel (PN28348) 5" dia.
• 3M™ Inline Sander (PN28339) — 3,500 RPM
with 3M™ Expander Wheel (PN28349) 3.4" dia.
Alternative Selections
Scotch-Brite™ Surface Conditioning Belt
(S Medium)
• A tough, non-woven nylon abrasive.
• Impregnated web construction.
• Silicon carbide mineral provides a bright
and sharp finish.
Recommended Tools and Speeds:
• 3M™ Inline Sander (PN28338) — 1,600 RPM
with 3M™ Expander Wheel (PN28348) 5" dia.
• 3M™ Inline Sander (PN28339) — 3,500 RPM
with 3M™ Expander Wheel (PN28349) 3.4" dia.
#5– #8 Stainless Steel Finishes
3M™ Trizact
217EA, 237AA, 327DC, 337DC, 347AC
(Grade A 100)
• 217EA is a exible belt for intermediate to nal nishing,
and is for low to medium pressure applications.
• 237AA, 327DC, 337DC and 347AC are perfect choices for dry
metalworking applications, and are semi-flexible for intermediate
to final finishing.
• All contain a grinding aid to assist in cutting and keeping the
workpiece cool.
Recommended Tools and Speeds:
3M™ Inline Sander (PN28339) — 3,500 RPM
with 3M™ Expander Wheels (PNs 28348 or 28349)
3M
Trizact abrasives feature three-dimensional structures uniformly
distributed over the entire surface of the belt, ensuring consistent
performance and the reduction of belt-to-belt variation. Conventional
abrasives, which feature randomly arranged minerals, can wear and
finish unevenly.
Trizact abrasives were developed with polishing in mind. Trizact belts
start sharp and stay sharp, resulting in more predictable finishes and
improved, consistent quality in your parts.
™
Abrasive Belts
™
Trizact™ Abrasive Belts
Scotch-Brite™ Multi-Finishing Wheel,
(2S Medium)
• Uniform and nal nishes on ferrous and
non-ferrous metals.
• Designed for cleaning, nishing and light deburring.
Abrasive: Set directional
grain with 3M™ Cloth Belt 777F,
Grade P120.
Tool: 3M™ Inline Sander (28339)
3,500 RPM with 3M™ Expander
Wheel (28348/28349).
Step 3:
Final Finishing
Abrasive: Scotch-Brite™ Surface
Conditioning Belt, A MED to blend
surface to a #4 finish.
Tool: 3M™ Inline Sander (28338)
1,600 RPM with 3M™ Expander
Wheel, 5" dia. (28348).
— or —
3M™ Inline Sander (28339) 3,500
RPM with 3M™ Expander Wheel,
3.4" dia. (28349).
Finishing has never been easier
A complete system of 3M tools and accessories to make your finishing job simpler.
3M™ Disc Sanders
3M got the right angle “right”
on these new Disc Sanders
for metalworking. A 97° head
angle (vs. 90°) allows for more comfortable wrist position
and improved ergonomics. The lightweight, compact design
generates less vibration and allows for better control. Features
adjustable directional exhaust. Hard 3M
1/4-inch collet included.
Part #DiameterMax RPMMotor
20231
28341
20232
28329*
*Also supports 3" and 4" backup pads.
2"20,000.5 HP
2"20,000.3 HP
3"15,0001 HP
2"12,000.5 HP
™
Roloc™ Disc Pad and
3M™ Inline
Sanders
Generate straight line scratches for finishing
stainless steel and other metals. These
straight shaft sanders can be used with
inflatable or slotted wheel accessories.
3M recommends 3M
Expander Wheels (PNs 28348 or 28349).
Part #Max RPMMotor
28338
28339
™
Rubber Slotted
1,6001 HP
3,5001 HP
Final Blending
and Touch-Up
Applications
Use a Scotch-Brite™ Hand
Pad 7446 for final blending
and touch-up of stainless
steel finishing.
3M™ Rubber
Slotted Expander
Wheels
Internal slotted rubber drum expands with
centrifugal force to keep the belt tight while
grinding. Designed with a 1/4" radius to help
prevent transition marks from edge of belt.
Use #3 Wheel Adaptor Kit (PN45038) to mount
™
to a 3M
Inline Sander.
Part # DimensionsBelt Size
28348
28349
5" x 3-1/2"3-1/2" x 15-1/2"
3.4" x 3"3" x 10-11/16"
3M™ File Belt Sander
Uses coated abrasive
and Scotch-Brite
(1/8"–3/4" x 18"–24") for a
wide variety of metalworking applications. Steel drive wheel
attached. Includes standard attachment arm (PN28368) and
rubber drive wheel. 24" belts require 3M
Extension (PN28376).
Part #Max RPMMotor
28366
™
Belts
™
File Belt Sander
22,000.6 HP
3M™ File Belt Sander
Attachment Arm —
Corners Style
Sand corners and grooves with
contact wheel. Use with coated
abrasive and Scotch-Brite
Part #Belt Size
28372
™
Belts.
1/8" or 1/4" x 18"
3M™ File Belt Sander
Attachment Arm —
Vessel Arm
Sand with contact wheel.
Unique large arm used for
blending weld seams. Use with
coated abrasive and Scotch-Brite
Includes tracking/control knob.
Part #Belt Size
28375
1/4" or 1/2" x 24"
™
Belts.
Abrasive and accessory sold separately.
Page 6
Right Angle Weld Grinding System
3M offers a complete system using coated abrasive and surface conditioning belts for leveling, blending and
finishing right angle welds on stainless steel. The advantages of this system are easier access, faster stock removal
and less undercutting than other methods such as grinding wheels, cut down wheels, coated abrasive square and
cross pads and other products frequently used to finish fittings, manways, frames and bracing.
Step 1: Weld Cut Down
Begin the process by using a 1/4" x 24" 3M™ Belt 977F, grade 50, for cutting down the weld. This belt
contains 3M™ Ceramic Grain and a grinding aid for fast cuts and cooler running on stainless steel.
Tech Tip: Keep tool moving to reduce undercuts, work in the center of the weld leaving a slight transition line of material, or
witness, on both sides of the weld.
Step 2: Refinement
Use a 3M™ Belt 777F (Options: 947D and 907EA), grade P120, with a scalloped edge to remove the witness
lines and refine the finish. It is critical to leave only a slight transition line during step 1 so the finish can be
refined without undercutting.
Tech Tip: 777F P120 works better under lower pressure. It is critical to leave only a slight transition line from step 1 as removing
too much material in step 2 can lead to undercutting.
Step 3: Final Finishing
For the final finish, select a Scotch-Brite™ Surface Conditioning Belt.
Tech Tip: Grade A Medium is a good starting point.
Optional Step 4: For Other Finishes
To achieve a pharmaceutical finish, choose 3M™ Trizact™ Belt 237AA in a series of grades A100, A45 and A16.
Also to obtain a surface finish of less than 32 micro-inch for dairy applications, refine the repair area after
step 2 with a 3M
Surface Conditioning Belt in grade A Very Fine.
™
Trizact™ 237AA, grade A100, scalloped edge belt followed by a fourth step of Scotch-Brite™
Troubleshooting Guide for
Stainless Steel Repair
ProblemSolutionProblemSolution
Heat or
warpage
Edge
cutting
Disc
scratches
show
through
Chatter• Reduce speed
• Use coarser grade abrasive
• Reduce speed
• Use new abrasive
• Use harder disc pad
• Use softer disc pad
• Reduce angle of grinder
• Use ner grade leveling disc
• Increase speed
and/or pressure
Flap wheel
bounce
• Reduce speed
and/or pressure
• Use smaller wheel
Multi-finishing
wheel bounce
• Reduce speed
• Dress wheel to round
Smearing• Reduce speed
• Clean or replace
contaminated product
Tool stalling• Check for proper
air supply at tool
• Increase torque
and/or HP of tool
Streaking on
• Use hand pad holder
final finish
Product Use: Many factors beyond 3M’s control and
uniquely within user’s knowledge and control can affect
the use and performance of a 3M product in a particular
application. Given the variety of factors that can affect
the use and performance of a product, user is solely
responsible for evaluating the 3M product and determining
whether it is fit for a particular purpose and suitable for the
user’s method of application.
Warranty Limited Remedy and Disclaimer: Unless an
additional warranty is specifically stated on the applicable
3M product packaging or product, 3M warrants that each
3M product meets the applicable 3M product specification
at the time 3M ships the product. 3M MAKES NO OTHER
WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY
OR CONDITION OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR
A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY
OR CONDITION ARISING OUT OF A COURSE OF DEALING,
CUSTOM OR USAGE OF TRADE. If the 3M product does
not conform to this warranty, then the sole and exclusive
remedy is, at 3M’s option, replacement of the 3M product
or refund the purchase price.
Limitation of Liability: Except where prohibited by law,
3M will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from
the 3M product, whether direct, indirect, special, incidental,
or consequential, regardless of the legal theory asserted,
including warranty, contract, negligence, or strict liability.
Technical Information: The technical information
recommendations and other statements contained in this
document are based upon tests or experience that 3M
believes to be reliable but the accuracy or completeness of
such information is not guaranteed.
Abrasive Systems Division
3M Center
Building 223-6N-02
St. Paul, MN 55144-1000
www.3M.com/abrasives
1-866-279-1235