Precision Surfaces International

Trizact Abrasives

PSI Abrasive consumables, manufactured by the 3M Company, are used in the medium to fine grinding steps of most surface preparation. The information provided in this article is intended to offer information valuable in abrasive selection.

Trizact film, which consists of precisely shaped pyramids containing micron graded abrasive material bonded to specific backing. As the Trizact product is used, the tops of the pyramids wear away, continually exposing fresh abrasive material. This ensures a consistent cut rate during the life of the product.

Users claim they can produce a completed surface finish in about half the time using Trizact, and that the product lasts 3 to 5 times longer than other types of abrasives. Trizact is used damp, with a light mist of water on the surface rather than a fully wet surface. A high gloss finish can be produced in five steps

The three different abrasive minerals usually found are Diamond, Silicon Carbide, and Aluminum Oxide. Diamond is the hardest and sharpest of the abrasive minerals. Its superior ability to penetrate and cut under light pressure makes diamond the most popular abrasive in the fiber optic and thermal spray coatings industries where tough and extremely hard materials are worked. Silicon Carbide is the hardest and most aggressive man-made mineral that is popular among most materials labs. Aluminum Oxide is an extremely tough, wedge shaped mineral which penetrates tough materials without excessive fracturing. Where life and economy in abrasive products is important, Aluminum Oxide can be used on high tensile materials such as carbon and alloy steel.

PSI Trizact Abrasive Consumables can be ordered in the forms of belts, discs, and sheets. Belts consist of flexible cloth or waterproof backings. Discs consist of a Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) backing for 5" diameter or larger and a Roloc backing for the small diameters of 4" or less. Sheets are available with a Pressure Sensitive Adhesive backing.

PSI maintains an inventory of the popular Trizact abrasive consumable sizes and grits in the form of belts, discs, and sheets. Custom sizes are available upon request.