3M™ Cloth Belt 302D has an open coat construction that helps channel sanding dust away from the belt and workpiece for better visibility and belt performance. The abrasive and backing are resin bonded to keep the belt running until the abrasive is completely worn. This belt is recommended for operations that require added flexibility.

Aluminum oxide mineral is a popular choice among industrial professionals because of its cut-rate, durability, and long life. It can be used on a wide variety of materials in metalworking, including ferrous alloys, and is the most commonly used industrial abrasive. The abrasive particles are adhered to the cloth backing with resin, creating a strong bond that withstands high heat and pressure.

Loading occurs when swarf or paint dust clogs the surface of the belt and the abrasive points, rendering the belt ineffective. Open coat construction means the abrasive grains are spaced slightly apart so that dust and debris have an outlet rather than loading the abrasive. Additionally, the open coat feature provides a more aggressive cut than a comparable closed coat abrasive of the same grade.

Abrasive belts come in many different widths and lengths and are used on a variety of belt sanding tools for many different metalworking applications. 3M makes a broad selection of belts to fit most any industrial belt sander. Wider belts are designed for wide belt sanders for flat finishing—to smooth rough cut edges of metal sheets, or add a grain pattern to stainless steel sheets. Medium-width belts are generally used on a backstand for weld removal or on a feed -thru style flat finisher for imparting a finish on sheets or coils. Narrow belts can be used on backstands for grinding and finishing, or on file tools for finishing in right angle corners.