February 5, 2020 - Saint-Gobain Abrasives, Worcester, Massachusetts, announced the introduction of its new, innovative Norton FAB (Fixed Abrasive Buff) buffing wheels that virtually eliminate the need to use buffing compounds. Norton FAB wheels feature a patent pending design which 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 clean-up in buffing operations and post-clean-up processes. Without the requirements to purchase, apply, clean-up, and dispose of large amounts of compound, costs are minimized. Also, less buffing compound improves worksite safety and reduces the environmental impact of compound disposal.

Norton FAB wheels have a premium silicon carbide abrasive which 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 in. to 22 in., 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.

February 4, 2020 - Weiler Abrasives, Cresco, Pennsylvania, has expanded its Tiger and Wolverine flap disc offering. The expansion includes 4.5-inch high density discs in a conical style (Type 29) and more options for metal fabrication  professionals using 5 and 6-inch grinders.

“As 5- and 6-inch grinders become more prevalent in metal fabrication, providing larger diameter consumables ensures our customers have the solutions to address all their grinding and finishing needs,” says Elliot Shepherd, associate product manager, Weiler Abrasives.

The new Tiger and Wolverine flap discs deliver varying levels of performance, depending on the user’s needs.

Composed of ceramic alumina and zirconia alumina grains, the 6-inch Tiger X standard density, conical flap discs are designed to offer maximum performance and aggressive grinding on flat steel and stainless steel surfaces. These Type 29 discs feature an industry-first X3 technology that combines an advanced anchoring system, dual flap design and engineered backing — leading to fast grinding, a long life and greater productivity.

The Tiger Paw™ standard density, 6-inch flap discs are ideal for edge grinding on steel and stainless steel. The 100% ziroconia alumina grain holds up to high temperatures and extreme pressure, making them usable in heavy-duty applications. Tiger Paw flap discs are also available in high density designs for conforming to irregular surfaces. Weiler Abrasives offers the high density Tiger Paw in a 4.5-inch, conical style (Type 29) , as well as 5- and 6-inch flat style (Type 27) .

For general-purpose applications, the 6-inch Wolverine standard density, conical style (Type 29) and Wolverine high density, flat style (Type 27) flap discs offer a fast cut rate and consistent performance at a good value. These zirconia alumina discs work well when grinding steel or other metals.

All of the new flap discs have 40, 60 and 80 grit abrasive options to provide users with solutions ranging from beveling and weld grinding to blending and finishing. The 4.5-inch Tiger Paw flap disc has an additional 36 grit option for heavy stock removal.

The expanded flap discs offering joins a robust portfolio of power wire brushes and bonded abrasives designed for 5- and 6-inch right angle grinders. The combination of products gives metal fabrication professionals a wide breadth of solutions for their demanding grinding and finishing needs — allowing them to complete tough jobs quickly and accurately.

January 24, 2020 - Gemtex, Toronto, file belts are an excellent choice for weld removal and finishing applications involving hard to reach areas with limited access. Our wide range of aluminum oxide, zirconia and ceramic narrow belts enables the end user to accomplish a broad number of applications on a wide variety of materials.

APPLICATIONS: light to medium weld removal, shaping, blending and contouring, surface preparation, deburring and finishing on all metals. Size Range: 3/8 in. by 13 in.; ½ in. by 12 in.; ½ in. by 18 in.; ½ in. by 24 in.; ¾ in. by 18 in., ¾ in. by 20 1/2 in.---Grit range: 36 to 400 grit.

January 22, 2020 - Arc-Zone.com, Carlsbad, California, completed their line of performance proven TIG welding nozzles with the addition of their smallest cup, the Monster™ #10. Now with the Monster™ #10, Arc-Zone® offers six different TIG welding nozzles, sized from 5/8 in. (#10) - 1.5 in. (#24). Each is designed to improve weld-quality, lower gas consumption, and enhance the welder’s overall experience.

“We began manufacturing the Monster™ products because the market needed a complete line of quality flooding nozzles,” says Jim Watson, Arc-Zone® Founder and CEO. “I designed the Monster™ nozzles so all welders, from high purity and production work to the hobbyist in their garage, can experience the best shield gas coverage and improved quality on every weld.”

Monster™ nozzles are made of durable, non-reactive ZTA ceramic with integrated diffusers. This proprietary combo delivers a coherent stream of shielding gas and allows for a longer tungsten stick-out, resulting in improved visibility and access to hard to reach joints. The nozzles are available as complete ready-to-weld kits or in replacement cup packs.

January 21, 2020 - American Weldquip, Sharon Center, Ohio, recently introduced a Flexible gooseneck to be used on its lineup of semi-automatic torches.

The NEW flexible gooseneck allows bends up to 80 degrees offering the welder quick reconfiguration angles of neck positions if required. The new neck is designed for extreme heat up to 400 amps and utilized American Weldquip’s heavy duty consumables.

January 21, 2020 - American Weldquip, Sharon Center, Ohio, has recently introduced a “Wire Brake” for its robotic torch line.

The new integrated wire brake is specifically designed for robotic applications utilizing wire touch sense. The brake is designed to lock and hold the weld wire, up to .062 in. (1.6mm) diameter, stationary when wire touch sensing for joint detection, etc. The new wire brake is air activated and is deactivated during the welding process.

January 21, 2020 - Rex-Cut Abrasives, Fall River, Massachusetts, announces a new line of alumina zirconia grinding wheels for pipe welding applications, the Velocity Pipeliner and the Velocity Grinding Wheel.

Velocity Pipeliner is a rugged wheel designed to withstand the pressures of pipe beveling, smoothing flame cut edges, and root pass grinding in the oil and gas pipeline industry. The premium grain and hard bond blend give Velocity long life and excellent wheel performance on stainless steel and high tensile alloys.

A ¼ in. thick version, Velocity Grinding Wheel, is available for general fabrication applications such as heavy weld grinding, beveling hard steels, grinding casting parting lines, or removing weld deposits.

The Velocity Grinding Wheel has maximum stock removal rate balanced with extended wheel life on stainless steel and ferrous metals such as structural steel and iron. 

Velocity Pipeliner is available in alumina zirconia 30 grit in 4-1/2 in. by 5/32 in. by 7/8 in. and 4-1/2 in. by 5/32 in. by 5/8-11. Velocity Grinding Wheel is available in alumina zirconia 24 grit in 4-1/2 in. by 1/4 in. by 7/8 in. and 4-1/2 in. by 1/4 in. by 5/8-11.

January 17, 2020 - The L.S. Starrett Co., Athol, Massachusetts, has launched its new series of “3X Power” Bi-Metal Reciprocating Saw Blades featuring teeth that cut more efficiently, enabling users to make up to three times the number of cuts than conventional blades, and are engineered for use on corded and cordless saws. Starrett 3X Power blades are also highly resistant to breakage and feature a reinforced shank.

The Starrett line of 3X Power Bi-Metal Recip Blades includes blades for cutting wood, metal, multiple materials and heavy-duty cutting:

Wood cutting blades are available in 6 in., 9 in. and 12 in. lengths, in 3 or 6 teeth per inch (TPI), and feature straight or tapered shape.

Metal cutting blades are available in 4 in., 6 in. and 8 in. lengths, in 14, 18 or 24 TPI, and have a straight shape.

Multi-material cutting blades cut metal, plastics, wood, and rubber and are available in 6 in., 9 in. and 12 in. lengths, in 6 – 10, 10 and 10 – 14 TPI, and have a tapered or straight shape. In addition, a 12 in., 10 – 14 TPI tapered blade that is ideal for cutting car bodies, is also offered.

King Cut™ 3X Heavy-Duty blades feature heat-treated teeth with a super-aggressive pitch set designed to slice through virtually any material. Exceptional strength, fast cutting action and long life make the blades ideal for heavy-duty demolition, emergency vehicle extrication and other demanding cutting applications. King Cut 3X Power Blades are available in 6 in., 8 in., 9 in. and 12 in. lengths, in 6-10, 10-14 and 18 TPI, and feature a straight or tapered shape.

Starrett 3X Power Reciprocating Blades are packaged in 2-blade blister card packs, or in plastic tubes with 5, 20 or 50 blades. For more information, visit www.starrett.com/3xpower.

January 16, 2020 - Makita U.S.A. Inc., La Mirada, California, announced the expansion of the Max Efficiency accessory line with new metal cutting and miter saw blades. The new Max Efficiency blades are engineered to deliver optimal cutting performance and more cuts per charge when used with a cordless saws.

“Max Efficiency Saw Blades are premium blades, created from thorough testing and engineering,” asserts Steve Relaz, Marketing Product Manager. “The result is maximum performance, meaning clean and precise cuts and longer run times.”

The Next Innovation for Ferrous Metal Cutting

Recommended for cutting ferrous metal from 1/16 in. to 3/16 in. thick, the Max Efficiency Metal Cutting Circular Saw Blades will deliver over 55 percent more cuts per charge at a rate of over 65 percent faster speed than standard blades.

A new tooth design allows for optimal, efficient cutting. The concaved-shaped carbide teeth and a thinner kerf allows the cut metal to be extracted out more efficiently. The tips also help the blade cut smoother and straighter. When paired with cordless tools, Max Efficiency Saw Blades provide longer run times and faster cutting. Even with corded tools, Max Efficiency Saw Blades are engineered for faster cutting.

New Max Efficiency Metal Cutting Blades:

• 5-3/8 in. 30T Carbide-Tipped Max Efficiency Saw Blade, Metal/General Purpose (B-69222)

• 5-7/8 in. 33T Carbide-Tipped Max Efficiency Saw Blade, Metal/General Purpose (B-69244)

• 5-3/8 in. 45T Carbide-Tipped Max Efficiency Saw Blade, Metal/General Purpose (B-69238)

• 5-7/8 in. 48T Carbide-Tipped Max Efficiency Saw Blade, Metal/General Purpose (B-69250)

New 6-1/2 in. Max Efficiency Miter Saw Blade

When paired with Makita® Cordless Miter Saw (XSL05Z), the 6-1/2 in. 60T Carbide‑Tipped Max Efficiency Miter Saw Blade (B-69842) is ideal for framing, remodeling, siding, and decking projects. These blades provide 50% more cuts per charge and 185 percent faster cutting compared to standard blades. The B-69842 offers quality crosscuts in a variety materials, including hardwoods, 2X lumber, laminated beams, OSB, and crown molding.

The combination of blade and tooth design provides the user with a best-in-class cutting experience. Each Max Efficiency Miter Saw Blade is expertly tensioned for precision and true cutting and manufactured from high quality hardened steel for added durability. The thin kerf carbide tip design provides greater efficiency with less drag on the motor and minimal material loss. Specially engineered ATAFR (Alternate Top Alternate Face w/ Raker) carbide tips assist to reduce the load put on the tool while cutting and provide smoother and faster cuts and a reduced swing width allows for smoother material removal and reduced cutting resistance.

January 13, 2020 - Magnetic Retrieving Batons from Master Magnetics Inc., Castle Rock, Colorado, are innovative tools for removing fine metallic filings, turnings or shavings – known as swarf – created by cutting tools and machinery in wet or dry environments.

The batons have a non-corrosive, stainless steel housing, and are constructed with neodymium magnets to maximize holding power.