3M™ Boron Carbide Abrasive Pastes
Science. Applied to Life.™
Introduction
3M™ Boron Carbide Abrasive Pastes are general-purpose abrasives and lapping agents. 3M boron carbide is an extremely hard material (9.5+ Mohs), making these pastes suitable for lapping and fine grinding of a wide range of materials.
Advantages
- High material removal rates contribute to short machining times
- Narrow grain-size distribution for high surface quality
- Heat resistance up to 350°C (662°F)
- Uniform grinding even at high temperatures
Applications
3M boron carbide abrasive pastes are used in the manufacturing of industrial equipment for cost-effective lapping and fine grinding of thermoplastics, nonferrous metals, steels, titanium and hard metals and ceramics and glasses. Even with very rough surfaces, a metal sealing surface (less than 1.4 µm) can be achieved in two operations, e.g. by coarse pre-grinding with a grain of F220 and final grinding with a grain of F400.
Applications for 3M boron carbide abrasive pastes include the machining of drawing dies, molds and dies of all kinds, wire guides, valves, valve seats, cylinder bushes, cylinder faces, injection pumps, hardened bearing surfaces, gauges, cutting and blanking tools, reamers, mill cutters, optical lenses, natural and synthetic gemstones and all ceramics.
Grain Size
(Not for specification purposes)
| Grain Designation | Grain Size in µm* |
|---|---|
| F60 | 300-212 |
| F100 | 150-106 |
| F220 | 75-45 |
| F320 | 49-17 |
| F400 | 32-8 |
| F600 | 19-3 |
| F800 | 14-2 |
| F1000 | 10-1 |
| F1200 | 7-1 |
* Grain-size according to FEPA standard (Eppendorf photosedimentometer)
* Other grain sizes on request
Directions for Use and Processing
Note: The information provided is general or summary in nature and is offered to assist the user. The information is not intended to replace the user's careful consideration of the unique circumstances and conditions involved in its use and processing of 3M products. The user is responsible for determining whether this information is suitable and appropriate for the user's particular use and intended application.
3M boron carbide water-based abrasive pastes can be used at application temperatures up to 200°C (392°F). The polyalcohols used in these water-soluble pastes are almost completely biodegradable (>90%), and are therefore rated 0 according to German water hazard classification.
Suitable diluents include water (preferably demineralized) and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 40). When adding water, only add one drop at a time, since larger amounts of water can dissolve and extract the polyalcohols in the paste base. At service temperatures from 100°C (212°F) to a maximum of 200°C (392°F), PEG 400 should be used as a diluent.
The machined surfaces can be cleaned with water. Important note: protect against rusting.
Delivery Program
3M™ Boron Carbide Abrasive Pastes are available with a variety of grain sizes according to FEPA standards, with additional sizes available upon request. These grain sizes cover a range of applications, from coarse material removal to extremely fine precision machining.
Container Sizes
75 ml tube or 750 ml jar
Storage
Store tubes and jars in a cool, dry place. See product Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for additional information.
Warranty, Limited Remedy, and Disclaimer
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. User is solely responsible for evaluating the 3M product and determining whether it is fit for a particular purpose and suitable for user's method of application. User is solely responsible for evaluating third party intellectual property rights and for ensuring that user's use of 3M product does not violate any third party intellectual property rights. Unless a different warranty is specifically stated in the applicable product literature or packaging insert, 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 OF NON-INFRINGEMENT 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 of the purchase price.
Limitation of Liability
Except where prohibited by law, 3M will not be liable for any loss or damages 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
Technical information, recommendations, and other statements contained in this document or provided by 3M personnel are based on tests or experience that 3M believes are reliable, but the accuracy or completeness of such information is not guaranteed. Such information is intended for persons with knowledge and technical skills sufficient to assess and apply their own informed judgment to the information. No license under any 3M or third party intellectual property rights is granted or implied with this information.
The management system has been certified according to DIN EN ISO 9001, DIN EN ISO 50001, DIN EN ISO 14001.
