Saint-Gobain Abrasives has launched its Norton Vortex Rapid Prep Belts for aerospace, metal and stainless steel fabrication, and maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) applications. The proprietary agglomerate grain of Vortex Rapid Prep increases belt life up to three times that of aluminum oxide grain and reduces two to five grit sequences in blending operations, reducing labor and material costs.
The patented Vortex agglomerated aluminum oxide grain delivers a 10 percent faster cut rate on aluminum, and a 20 percent faster cut rate on titanium and stainless steel, with a 50 percent or more improved process time by reducing multiple grinding steps. The combination of cutting power of a coarser grit, with the finishing quality of a finer grit, minimizes edge wear, providing up to two times the life on all substrates.
Belts are available in Low Flex (LF) and Regular Flex (RF). LF is a premium, high-lift nylon fiber bonded to a strong nylon scrim backing that provides a denser layer of resin bond and grain to extend product life up to three times that of competitive aluminum oxide products. LF is the highest density and stiffest design in sizes that include 2″ x 18 15/16″, 2 3/4″ x 15 1/2″, 3″ x 10 11/16″ and 3 1/2″ x 15 1/2″.