3M Precision-Shaped Grain

3M Precision-Shaped Grain: Redefining conventional precision grinding.

Looking to boost performance in your precision grinding operation? The answer is 3M Precision-Shaped Grain – the revolutionary technology that powers 3M™ Cubitron™ II Vitrified Grinding Wheels. This ceramic aluminum oxide grain is proven to increase efficiency and productivity where precision matters most, like in the gear, powertrain and turbine industries.

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Cuts cooler. Cuts faster. Lasts longer.

3M Precision-Shaped Grain is a triangular-shaped ceramic grain that wears evenly to provide exceptional durability with remarkable consistency. As the grain wears, it continuously fractures to form sharp points and edges that slice cleanly through the material. The ensuing heat directly dissipates from the workpiece into the chip, greatly minimizing the risk of overheating and helping to produce higher-quality parts.

This all results in vitrified grinding wheels that cut cooler, faster and longer than wheels made with traditional ceramic abrasive grain.

The science behind 3M™ Cubitron™ II Vitrified Wheels.

High-performance precision grinding applications require the right combination of abrasive mineral and wheel bond. That’s why 3M™ Cubitron™ II Vitrified Wheels for precision grinding combine the ceramic aluminum oxide of 3M Precision-Shaped Grain with our advanced vitrified bond. The 3M vitrified bond is made of fully synthetic recrystallized glasses with a high inherent strength. This ensures that the ceramic grain is reliably bonded throughout the life of the wheel in demanding applications like gear grinding, cylindrical grinding and more.

Featured Markets and Applications

Prioritized Markets
3M Precision-Shaped Grain delivers high-performance grinding across the industrial landscape, including:

Gear

Turbine

Powertrain
Focused Applications
Improve performance in your precision grinding applications with 3M Precision-Shaped Grain:

Gear grinding

Surface/Creep feed grinding

Cylindrical ID

Cylindrical OD

Centerless grinding
Featured Substrates
Ceramic 3M Precision-Shaped Grain is ideal for use on many hard-to-grind materials, including:

Superalloys

Tool steels

High speed steels

See 3M Precision-Shaped Grain in action:

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3M™ Cubitron™ II Threaded Gear Grinding Wheels

See the extraordinary benefits that come from combining two groundbreaking innovations: 3M Precision-Shaped Grain incorporated into threaded gear grinding wheels.
3M™ Cubitron™ II Single Rib Gear Grinding Wheels

Watch a real-world demonstration of a 3M™ Cubitron™ II single rib grinding wheel, and learn how 3M Precision-Shaped Grain could improve your gear grinding process.

Contact us.

If you’re curious about custom abrasive solutions, we can help. Fill out our contact form, start a chat or call 1-866-279-1235 and our precision grinding and finishing experts can get you what you need.