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many cases, multiple operations can be done using one non-woven disc. The innovative disc material is stiff enough for challenging applications, but also soft enough to prevent gouging that can necessitate rework. An open-mesh-structured product does not load on coatings, adhesives or softer metals. And when used to deburr, the discs will not snag or shed like cloth or fiber discs. This advanced technology allows for improved cycle times, abrasive life and overall cost-per-part savings compared with traditional aluminum oxide grinding products. Here's an overview of non- woven use in industry: Aerospace: For aerospace manufacturing, advanced surface conditioning products can be extremely useful for blending and deburring applica- tions involving airframes and investment cast parts. By simpli- fying the process, aerospace manufacturers are now able to reduce cycle times, enhancing productivity and efficiency. Transportation: These new tech- nologies are also ideal for automo- tive, trucking and bus applications, such as frame repairs, weld blending, and surface paint preparations, including scuffing and blending. By providing fast, smear-free perfor- mance, transportation industry manu- facturers can improve productivity through reduced labor requirements for surface finishing operations. Energy: Quick and effective surface conditioning can help energy generation operations meet tight deadlines and decrease downtime. For example, new non-woven technology can be used in oil and gas operations to deburr pipe threads for rapid and precise pipeline fittings. Wind power operations can refurbish turbines and repair cracks in turbine blades. Metal Fabrication: Maintenance and repair operations and metal fabricators can use recent innovations in non-woven surface conditioning for various applications, including blending, deburring and weld blending, surface prep prior to painting, rust and paint removal, and surface preparation prior to blending. Increased Productivity Recent advances in non-woven technology have made this a great area to increase productivity while keeping costs down. Innovative design and materials science have combined to yield a new generation of high-performance surface conditioning products that are durable, flexible and easy to use. As the economic landscape begins to show signs of improving, manufacturers will be well-served to use new non-woven tech- nology to help them efficiently meet increased demands while streamlining operations to remain competitive in unstable economic times. Paul Krupa is senior product manager for Norton/Saint-Gobain Abrasives. For more information, please visit nortonbeartex.com. Photos and charts courtesy of Norton/Saint-Gobain Abrasives. The energy sector, such as those using drills and augers, have used abrasive technology extensively in metal finishing applications. 22 JUNE 2014 — pfonline.com MECHANICAL FINISHING Advantages of Non-Woven Abrasives • Provide a controlled cut with minimal stock removal • Produce a predictably consistent, uniform finish • Minimize or eliminate smearing and discoloration of the work piece • Can enable the automation of operations and increase production, saving time • Easier to use and can reduce operator training • Can provide greater safety than other methods • Conform readily to irregular surfaces 0614_PF_NortonFEATURE.indd 22 5/16/2014 1:36:57 PM