In the world of concrete and glass structural marvels, one common thing is the stylish stainless steel items. Be it the wall claddings, hand rails, glass supports, retail store fixtures, artefacts, stainless steel is the solution, shape and appearance of which is left to the artist's imagination. The main feature of the stainless steel is the trendy, lively and different finishes of the stainless steel. This trend is fast replacing the earlier bright finished stainless steel products, which was preferred by the Indian consumer. The earlier finishes were not only difficult to achieve, but also difficult to maintain, had limited applications and use traditional finishing methodology.

These new trendy finishes are here to stay and can be noticed in our all modern architectural wonders, like the new airports, bus shelters in Delhi, shopping arcades and many more. These new trendy finishes are preferred because they are easier to achieve, maintain, repair and having an international look which has enticed majority of manufacturers and exporters of stainless steel items switching to these finishes. In these new trends, hairline and matt finishes are matching new construction styles to enhance the aesthetic looks. These finishes are easily generated with abrasives, which come in different forms and sizes to suit the product. Knowing the right solution and the usage technique, the new trendy finishes can be generated.

3M through their abrasive products is actively involved in upgrading the metal fabricators to generate these new world class finishes. Through their interactive methodology, many users are now equipped with the knowledge of styling steel or as it is called "the 3M art of styling steel". These solutions address all the process steps right from grinding to final finish.

Innovations in Styling Steel by 3M

3M, apart from driving the new finishes, has been innovating products like CubitronTM, Scotch-BriteTM and TrizactTM. These products are designed for giving distinct advantages to the users in many ways.

Typically in a stainless steel weld grinding application, there are concerns on the discoloration or the burning marks, which is not advisable as it requires efforts to clean it. Also, with the load of converting and styling the stainless steel increasing, it requires a faster cutting speed, while producing a good finish without the burning marks.

To help customers overcome the above limitations, one of the innovations is the 3M CubitronTM abrasive grains can be found in coated abrasives (belts, discs, and sheets) and abrasive bristle products. With Cubitron-aided products, the users can get benefits like faster cutting and better finishes.

Cubitron abrasive mineral grains grind cooler, faster, and last longer than conventional abrasive in many metal working solutions. One major reason for this improved efficiency is the small crystal structure that makes up the abrasive grain. 3M is able to tailor make Cubitron abrasive grain for different grinding applications.

The 3M Green Corps