Tim Johnson, Product Manager - Tools & Industrial Products
Tim has over 40 years experience working in the supply of Tools and Industrial products. Based at Halesowen, he helps customers to optimise tool selection and usage utilizing the latest innovation provided by our leading-brand supply partners.
The Xtract™ Series from 3M is a new-to-market sanding system that offers a virtually dust-free sanding experience without compromising on its promise to deliver a premium quality finish on all manner of materials. 3M, a brand with a century of abrasive technology innovation under their belts, now bring us the Xtract™ Series. It’s a game-changing platform that includes high-performance 3M Cubitron™ II Abrasive Discs, back-up pads, 3M Xtract™ Random Orbital Sanders in both electric and pneumatic-powered variants, the 3M Xtract™ Portable Dust Extractor and the redesigned Clean Sanding Filter Bag.
I’ve already alluded to a couple of reasons to choose 3M Xtract™ for your sanding needs. Now, I want to focus in on a handful of those reasons and explore some of the many benefits that those who make the switch to 3M Xtract™ can expect to enjoy.
1. Experience versatility
3M Xtract™ is suitable for working on metals, wood, composites, gelcoats, and many other substrates. So, if your work involves metal fabrication, composite sanding or woodworking, you can rely on the system to do the job. When used with the premium 3M Xtract™ Cubitron™ II Net Disc 710W product, the range of applications and industries is expanded even further, including stock removal and fine finishing tasks within sectors from automotive, aerospace and marine, to general manufacturing.
Coarser grades of the 3M Xtract™ net discs are ideal for tougher surfaces, levelling fillers and putties, and difficult coating removal. For final finishes, softer substrates such as wood and paint, and less aggressive applications, the finer grades are an effective choice. Thanks to its unique hole pattern and exclusive 3M Precision Shaped Grain (PSG) technology, the 710W net disc delivers industry-leading cut rate with less operator pressure required. This brings me nicely onto the next, and probably the most prominent reason to consider 3M Xtract™; safety.
2. Ensure safety
Airborne particles are hazardous to operators. Dust and fine particles can cause both short and long-term health issues if they come into contact with exposed areas of skin, the eyes, or if they are inhaled. Very fine particles are especially dangerous as they are more easily absorbed into the lungs and respiratory tracts. This is where the 3MTM Xtract™ system comes into its own as it enables up to 99% dust extraction. As you sand, any dust produced is easily pulled through the net disc and backing pad by the vacuum system, meaning particles are not expelled into the air or left on the surface being worked.
As well as the premium-quality 3M Xtract™ Cubitron™ II Net Disc 710W, developed to require less pressure from the operator, the 3M Xtract™ Random Orbital Sander tools have also been specifically designed to be both lightweight and ergonomic to help reduce operator fatigue.
3. Maintain productivity
With 3M Xtract™, high levels of dust extraction are achieved, but not at the expense of performance. In fact, 3M Precision Shaped Grain discs can cut twice as fast as conventional abrasives on the market. Thanks to its proven capabilities when it comes to dust extraction, 3M Xtract™ leaves less dust on the substrate being worked, providing a consistent and high-quality finish with excellent speed. This reduces the general need for rework, improving cycle time and making task completion more efficient.
Whether attached to a dust extraction unit or a filter bag, there is little cleaning required once the job is done, meaning more time is available for operators to focus on the task at hand. Hook and loop backing also helps to speed-up the disc changing process, saving operators time.
4. Expect durability
3M Xtract™ uses Precision Shaped Grain technology that continually fractures into sharp cutting edges during use, meaning that the discs last twice as long as most other abrasives. The extended service life means that disc changes are needed less frequently, helping to reduce total cost of ownership as well as the time and effort spent in sourcing and purchasing replacement abrasives.
Find-out more about 3M Xtract by visiting our dedicated webpage (www.hayley-group.co.uk/3m-xtract-clean-sanding). Prefer to speak to someone? Contact your local Hayley Group branch for more information.
