Saint-Gobain Abrasives has introduced its new Norton FAB (fixed abrasive buff) buffing wheels that virtually eliminate the need to use buffing compounds. Norton FAB wheels feature a patent pending design that incorporates abrasive grains into the buffing wheel and consistently results in excellent single-digit Ra values ranging from 1 to 5 Ra. The new Norton FAB wheels are tear resistant, waterproof and durable, providing significantly longer life than traditional cotton buffs.

"In addition to virtually eliminating the need for messy buffing compounds, new Norton FAB wheels increase productivity by generating more parts per buff with fewer buffing wheel changes," said Anne Bonner, Sr. Product Manager, Norton | Saint-Gobain Abrasives. "Also, their superior finishing performance can remove costly, extra pre-buff processing steps."

Due to significantly decreasing the need for buffing compound, Norton FAB wheels offer a more efficient, cleaner and safer way of buffing. There is less cumbersome, time consuming cleanup in buffing operations and post-cleanup processes. Without the requirements to purchase, apply, clean up, and dispose of large amounts of compound, costs are minimized. Less buffing compound also improves worksite safety and reduces the environmental impact of compound disposal.

Norton FAB wheels have a premium silicon carbide abrasive that is uniformly dispersed and applied to both sides of the cloth, resulting in more consistent buffing performance. Norton FAB wheels can be easily incorporated into new or existing robotic buffing applications.

Key applications for new Norton FAB wheels include automatic or semi-automatic buffing, cut buffing and mush buffing in a wide range of markets such as automotive, hardware, oil and gas, and more. The new wheels are effective on hard alloys as well as soft metals such as aluminum and brass. Norton FAB Wheels are available in outer diameters from 5" to 22", in 12 or 16 ply (number of cloth layers of buff), 2 or 4 pack (waviness of the buff face) and various ID hole designs.

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