3M Random Orbital Sanding User Manual

Random Orbital Sanding Guide

Abrasive Discs and System Solutions

3M Abrasive Systems Division

Table of contents page

Sanding Made Simple ............................3

3M’s Cubitron

™

II and general purpose

discs to always have in your bag

Random Orbital Sanding Portfolio ...........4–5

A full view of 3M’s sanding discs organized
by backing type and weight

Sanding System Solutions .................... 6–7

Dial in sanding disc performance by selecting
the right backup pad and tool

Application Guide ..............................8–9

Common sanding applications with recommended
disc, backup pad and tool to serve as a starting point

Availability Guide ..............................10–12

Disc availability by grade and attachment type

Sanding Made Simple Random Orbital Sanding Portfolio Sanding System Solutions Application Guide Availability GuideMenu

In Random Orbital Sanding,
it’s all about putting together
the optimal system.

Here’s how it’s done:

Find the best abrasive disc for the job

Match with the right backup pad

to enhance sanding disc performance

Choose the random orbital sander

to optimize the system

1

2

3

4

5

Abrasive Disc Backup Pad Sander

+

+ =

2

Random Orbital Sanding
Total System Solution

Sanding Made Simple Random Orbital Sanding Portfolio Sanding System Solutions Application Guide Availability GuideMenu

Sanding Made Simple • Always have these in your bag

Premium Series

For quality and growth-minded
sanding process owners, who are
focused on optimization, product
performance, and are continuously
looking to improve their operations.

Longer life

•

Advanced Series

For the sanding process owner
looking for improved performance
over a Standard product and a

Better finish

•

wider grade range than the PSG
Premium series.

775L

3M™ Cubitron™ II
Film Disc 775L

• Starting point for all applications

• Precision-shaped ceramic

• 3 mil film

• 80+ – 400+ grades

375L

3M™ Film Disc 375L

• Aluminum oxide

• 5 mil film (60 – P400 grades)

• 3 mil film (>P400 grades)

• 60 – P1500 grades

732U

3M™ Cubitron™ II
Paper Disc 732U

• Starting point for paper

• Precision-shaped ceramic

• C-weight paper

• 80+ – 220+ grades

321U

3M™ Blue Abrasive Disc 321U

• Ceramic and aluminum oxide blend

• C-weight paper (80 – 800 grades)

• D-weight (40 grade)

• 40 – 800 grades

784F

3M™ Cubitron™ II
Cloth Disc 784F

• Starting point for cloth

• Precision-shaped ceramic

• YF-weight cloth

• 36+ – 120+ grades

341D

3M™ Cloth Disc 341D

• Aluminum oxide

• X-weight cloth

• 36 – P180 grades

Standard Series

Faster cut

For the sanding process owner
who focuses on volume over
quality and who cannot, or does
not, recognize the value of a
Premium or Advanced product.

236U

3M™ Paper Disc 236U

• General purpose;

all applications

• Aluminum oxide

• C-weight paper

• P80 – P500 grades

3

216U

3M™ Paper Disc 216U

• General purpose;

all applications

• Aluminum oxide

• A-weight paper

• P80 – P800 grades

Sanding Made Simple Random Orbital Sanding Portfolio Sanding System Solutions Application Guide Availability GuideMenu

• Film/Paper Backed
Cloth Backed/Non-woven

Random Orbital Sanding Portfolio

Best for a uniform consistent nish. Have good tear resistance and durability.

Film backed sanding discs

255L 568XA* 268L* 360L* 375L/371L*

• Aluminum Oxide

on 2 mil film

• Lightweight film disc suited

for prep for paint, buff and
wood sanding applications

468L* 268XA* 366L 775L 675L

• Silicon Carbide

on 3 mil film

• For light sanding that

requires fast cut rate
and consistent finishing

Lighter backing

• Cerium Oxide

on 3 mil film

• Constructed for high gloss,

semi gloss and acrylic solid
surface applications

• Microreplicated abrasive

on 3 mil film

• Used in a variety of solid

surface and AOEM tier prep
for paint applications

Specialized

Applications

Specialized

Applications

Longer life than paper.

• Aluminum Oxide

• Works well on sealer

• Aluminum Oxide

• A versatile disc that delivers in

The entire 3M portfolio

on 3 mil film

sanding, primer and
e-coat scuff applications

on 3 mil film

paint removal, prep for paint
and solid surface finishing

• Aluminum Oxide

on 3 mil film

• Ideal for composite, primer

and gelcoat applications
where finish is crucial

• Precision-Shaped Grain

on 3 mil film

• The go-to choice for all

applications that require
premium performance

• Aluminum Oxide

on 5 or 3 mil film

• A multi-purpose value disc

where finish and durability
are musts

• Diamond abrasive

on 5 mil film

• Designed for finishing on hard

materials and can be used for
coating removal and prep

Heavier backing

*Stearate-free

Paper backed sanding discs

216U/210U* 401Q*/431Q* 732U 363i*

• Aluminum Oxide on

A-weight paper

• For light sanding and prep

work on primers, paints,
gelcoats and sealers

426U 236U 321U Blue 752i* 763U*

• Silicon Carbide on

A-weight paper

• A value product for wood

sanding and applications
where finish is critical

Lighter backing

• Silicon Carbide on

A or C-weight paper

• Can be run wet or dry in

prep for buff or paint and
in polishing applications

• Aluminum Oxide on

C-weight paper

• The multi-purpose,

multi-application
value disc

Most versatility and most common backing type. Have good exibility.
Performance can range from value to top tier.

• Ceramic and

Aluminum Oxide blend

• A high performing

general purpose
price-value disc

4

• Precision-Shaped Grain

on C-weight paper

• A premium choice for all

applications that require
fast cut and long life

• Aluminum Oxide and Ceramic

blend on E-weight paper

• A great option for prep for

paint in metal or deflashing/

surface prep on composites

• Aluminum Oxide on

F-weight paper

• A value disc designed for

demanding applications on
wood, composite and metal

• Aluminum Oxide and Ceramic

blend on F-weight Paper

• A robust disc ideal for

heavy stock removal and
refining metal scratches

Heavier backing

*Stearate-free