Cut to Custom Size or Shape for Hand Sanding or Tool Attachment

Standard Abrasives™ Series 500 Blocks come in varying thicknesses that can be cut to size for hand finishing or refining. They are also ideal for specialty uses, when working with an intricate or unique workpiece that requires an unusual shape to achieve the desired result. After cutting and dressing the material into a customized shape such as a mounted point or other abrasive specialty, attach it to a tool using a unitized wheel mandrel (sold separately).

For your applications requiring a standard wheel shape, choose from the Standard Abrasives™ line of Series 500 Unitized Wheels, offered with a center hole or quick change attachment (sold separately).

Soft Density Material and Silicon Carbide Enable Polishing with Precise Results

Within the Standard Abrasives™ Unitized product line, the 500 Series provides the softest density, and is available in medium (MED) and fine (FIN) grade silicon carbide (S/C). The combination of soft density and sharp-cutting S/C mineral makes this series a good match for applications where a fine finish is more important than cut, such as polishing fillet areas on jet blades and soft metals prior to the coating process. Due to its conformability, this material is great for projects with strict tolerances, because it responds to surface irregularities without gouging or undercutting the part.

500 Series S/C Blocks come in two options, Types 532 and 524. Type 532 is an excellent choice for finishing applications. Type 524 material is designed to better suit light-weight blending applications; 3M constructed it with a higher density of MED grade S/C grain throughout the web material, resulting in a slightly more aggressive product.

Non-Woven Unitized Construction Offers a Step Up in Density and Durability for Stubborn Surfaces

Standard Abrasives™ Unitized Blocks come in a range of densities and grades to suit different metals, the degree of aggressiveness required, and desired finish. Although used for some of the same tasks as Standard Abrasives™ Buff and Blend products, unitized products are designed with a far stronger and denser construction to support more aggressive applications and accomplish material removal more rapidly, making them a great match for tough deburring, cleaning, blending and finishing applications. Even though unitized construction results in a much stiffer product, the non-woven nylon fibers of the block maintain the advantage of responding to surface irregularities while preserving the geometry of the piece, and produce a consistent finish.

Unitized blocks are created by stacking layers of open web material that combines non-woven fiber strands and abrasive mineral with a tough resin bond. These layers are then cured and compressed together with heat. By fusing layers of open web, the abrasive gains more toughness and durability, so it can withstand repeated wear.

Ultimately, the material's durability is what makes it such a good match for edges. The material is tough enough to perform high-pressure edgework without tearing or otherwise disintegrating. Regardless of the thickness of the block, it maintains its structural integrity to remain a stiff and long-lasting abrasive even under high pressure. Additionally, as the layers wear, the material can be dressed to refresh its shape.

Load-Resistant Construction Boosts Life and Performance

Standard Abrasives™ Unitized Blocks are load-resistant to keep you cutting with fresh mineral. The gaps in the open web allow unwanted swarf to escape. Consequently, less debris clogs the abrasive, so the mineral can stay fresh, keep cutting sharp and deliver a consistent cut over the life of the product. As the fibers break down and fresh mineral is exposed, it reduces the likelihood of dull or blunt mineral smearing the surface, contributing to cleaner surfaces and less re-work. Furthermore, manual fatigue that may result from applying heavy pressure to a dull abrasive is reduced.

The Many Benefits of Standard Abrasives™ Non-Woven Products

Standard Abrasives™ Unitized products offer many benefits for heavy-duty jobs. For all the aforementioned reasons, Standard Abrasives™ Unitized products invigorate deburring, cleaning, blending and finishing applications by helping operators reduce finishing steps, minimize costs and achieve greater throughput.