Technology company 3M's Abrasive Systems Division is launching a Cubitron belt formulation that helps drive down the costs of manufacturing.

Targeted at gate and stock removal operations, particularly in the turbine-blade, medical-implant and engineered castings sectors, the improved Cubitron belts are claimed to last 20 per cent longer, on average, than previous versions.

Available in March 2009, prices are said to remain the same, although users will benefit from reduced costs and efficiency increases.

3M has previously carried out upgrades that improved Cubitron belt life in heat-sensitive applications.

The Cubitron grains are designed to continuously expose fresh cutting faces during use, ensuring a consistently sharp cut throughout the belt life.

The enhanced products are claimed to have better mineral retention, meaning that the belts last longer.

In customer field tests, the new version of the 977F belt lasted 27 per cent longer than the current design when used with a backstand grinder to remove the carbon steel gate from turbine blades.

The belt also required less pressure, helping to reduce operator fatigue.

Similar results were achieved with inconel and titanium turbine blades and engine components.

The belts are available across the 3M range, including the 947D and 777F, and in a variety of grades.

Cubitron belts from 3M are available for manual or automated grinding systems.

Henry Blackman, product manager for 3M's Abrasive Systems Division, said: 'The new and improved Cubitron metalworking belts help manufacturers reduce costs by using fewer belts and increase efficiency by cutting downtime.

'Some intensive users, in the turbine blade sector for example, have to change belts several times a day and increased belt life means machines can work harder for longer,' he added.

3M metalworking belts with Cubitron grain will be available from regular 3M suppliers.