New Abrasive Film from Norton Abrasives

    WORCESTER, Mass.--June 29, 2001--

    -- Norton Metalite(R) Q153 Abrasive Polyester-Backed Rolls Generate
    Higher Cut Rates and More Consistent Tolerances --

    A new line of abrasive film products made with high quality, tear resistant, 5 mil (0.125mm) DuPont Mylar polyester has been introduced by Norton Company.
    In applications such as crankshaft mains and pins, camshaft main journals and lobes, roll finishing and transmission shafts, Metalite Q153 has proven to generate superior part quality and lower microfinishing costs.
    To produce superior surface finishes at higher cut rates, the process used by Norton to manufacture Metalite Q153 film anchors a uniform coating of premium micron graded aluminum oxide abrasive grains with two adhesives to a polyester backing. The tightly controlled, consistent application of Make and Size adhesives results in reduced swarf loading between the abrasive grains. Minimizing swarf loading extends product life and enhances its ability to generate superior quality finishes.
    The adhesive resins selected for this innovative process also drastically reduce both VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emissions and the energy required for manufacturing.
    To minimize film slippage, a Norton patented non-slip, non-abrasive friction material backcoating is applied to the polyester film. The non-slip backcoating provides superior friction characteristics that will not cause costly tool wear and poor part tolerance.
    Norton Metalite Q153 film is dimensionally compatible with industry standard tooling geometry used in high-precision operations. The film backprint is color-coated for easy identification of the grit size. Grit sizes of 15-100 micron are available in standard rolls up to 14" wide x 600' long.