Launched in 2012, Cubitron™ II was the first range of cutting and grinding products using 3M’s precision-shaped triangular grain abrasives. This range has now been replaced by 3M’s latest and most advanced precision-shaped ceramic triangular grain, the Cubitron™ 3. Cubitron™ 3 significantly raises the benchmark for cut rate and product life in heavy grinding and cutting applications. The re-engineered precision-shaped ceramic triangular grain utilizes 3M™ proprietary breakthroughs in molecular bonding technology and delivers the highest performing abrasive solutions available today.
Responding to industry requirements for better abrasive productivity, worker safety and sustainability, 3M has developed abrasive wheel technologies that make portable bonded wheels work even faster and last even longer than their current best performing range. Performance is so good compared to existing 3M™ Cubitron™ II Performance Abrasives that they've established a new generation of products called 3M™ Cubitron™ 3 Performance Abrasives. A Cubitron™ 3 cutting wheel or grinding wheel outperforms comparable Cubitron™ II solutions.
To maximize simplicity and value to 3M customers, the current 3M™ Cubitron™ II Portable Bonded Wheels range will be replaced by 3M™ Cubitron™ 3 Performance Abrasives. You'll benefit from a wider product choice, better performance, and optimized sustainability with minimal or no change in list price.
| CUBITRON™ 3 VS. CUBITRON™ II PERFORMANCE |
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| Cubitron™ 3 Solution | Abrasive Life vs. Cubitron™ II | Cut Speed vs. Cubitron™ II |
| 3M™ Cubitron™ 3 Depressed Center Grinding Wheels | 2X Longer Life vs. 3M™ Cubitron™ II | +14% Faster Cut vs. 3M™ Cubitron™ II |
| 3M™ Cubitron™ 3 Cut-Off Wheels | 3X Longer Life vs. 3M™ Cubitron™ II | +10% Faster Cut vs. 3M™ Cubitron™ II |
Specific product lines have been introduced where wheel construction and grain type are optimized for applications such as gouging and back grinding where the wheel is used on its edge.
Based on 3M's internal research, when cut-off wheels are properly protected from atmospheric moisture, product life can be extended by up to 20%. All 3M™ Cubitron™ 3 Cut-Off Wheels come in re-sealable bags made of recycled and recyclable material to better protect Cubitron™ 3 from the elements and extend product life.
The reformulated wheel composition offers even better balance and a smoother action while maintaining best in class performance.
Options for a thinner and faster cut:
When will the new 3M™ Cubitron™ 3 Performance Abrasives replacement products be available?
3M™ Cubitron~ 3 Performance Abrasives availability began in November, 2023.
When will the discontinued 3M'" Cubitron'" II Performance Abrasives stop being supplied?
3M recommends switching to the new products as a priority as soon as they become available. Based on typical demand patterns, 3M anticipates stocks of some items will start to run out in November 2023.
How can customers access the new products to trial first?
Based on 3M internal and field testing, most customers should be confident that running extensive testing should not be required. However, if a trial is required, please speak with your A&M Industrial Sales Representative, or contact an A&M Metalworking Support Specialist.
Will the new upgraded 3M™ Cubitron™ 3 Performance Abrasives be sold at a higher price?
List prices will be similar to the existing 3M™ Cubitron™ II Performance Abrasives range.
Why has 3M introduced a special grinding wheel for gouging applications?
After listening to customers that do a lot of gouging and back grinding in their operations, the required performance parameters required a dedicated product with a purpose-made formulation optimized for this work. This helps deliver the high performance that 3M™ Cubitron™ 3 Portable Bonded Wheels represent.
Why won't 3M™ Cubitron™ II Performance Abrasives continue to be sold?
Thanks to the manufacturing technology advances 3M™ has made, the price/performance differential between the two ranges means there is no need to retain the existing range. Consumers will benefit from a higher-performing product, at a comparable cost.
Which 3M™ Cubitron™ 3 Cut and Grind Wheel thickness should I order if I am happy with the one I am currently using?
To get the same wheel thickness you are familiar with, order the 5/32 in thick version of the 3M™ Cubitron™ 3 Cut and Grind Wheel.
Need assistance ordering or selecting a 3M™ Cubitron™ 3 abrasive solution? Contact the A&M Industrial Metalworking Team for help identifying the right Cubitron™ 3 abrasive for your application, or download the Cubitron™ 3 Product Transition Guide for a cross reference chart that readily identifies Cubitron™ II Cut and Grind Wheels, Cut Off Wheels, and Grinding Wheels and their corresponding Cubitron 3 replacement.