Saint-Gobain Abrasives, the world's leading manufacturer and supplier of performance-engineered abrasives, has launched an expansion of its Norton Rapid Prep™ surface conditioning product line. This Norton Bear-Tex� portfolio now includes a new RF (regular flex) line of aluminum oxide (A/O) products which are ideal for extremely demanding belt and quick change disc applications. Featuring an innovative design that combines premium A/O abrasive grain with a strong Y-wt. polyester backing, Norton Rapid Prep™ RF A/O is highly durable and flexible with extremely low stretch characteristics. In addition, RF incorporates Saint-Gobain Abrasives' proprietary Clean Bond™ resin technology for a smear-free finish, eliminating rework process steps and improving productivity.

The new product line has been specifically designed for use in belt forms where high-tensile machines and/or operating conditions require a belt with low stretch properties. The long-lasting, high-performance Bear-Tex materials are ideally suited for surface conditioning applications such as blending and deburring, across industries ranging from aerospace, to metal fabrication and maintenance and repair operations (MRO). Norton Rapid Prep RF A/O will debut at Aviation Week MRO Americas in Phoenix, AZ (April 8-10, 2014, Booth 2940).

"Norton Rapid Prep RF A/O has been tailor-made for a wide range of demanding applications that require a unique mix of performance properties that only the Bear-Tex portfolio can bring to market," says Paul Krupa, Senior Product Manager, Saint-Gobain Abrasives. "Extremely strong and flexible, combined with our proprietary Clean Bond resin technology, Norton Rapid Prep RF A/O provides a cost-effective and highly durable surface conditioning solution for our customers."

With the same superior cut rate as the Norton Rapid Prep LF (low-flex) A/O product line, the RF product features enhanced performance for equipment or operating conditions where durability, flexibility and low stretch properties are critical, such as robotic lines, back stand and bench stand machines, as well as stroke sanders and slack of belt sanding.

Norton Rapid Prep RF A/O is available in Coarse, Medium, Fine, and Very Fine grit sizes and in all popular portable and off-hand belts sizes, including special sizes up to 52 inches wide.