3M™ Microfinishing Film Sheet 272L

Designed for Polishing and Finishing
3M™ Microfinishing Film Sheet 272L is designed for a variety of common microfinishing applications, from cylindrical and centerless grinding and finishing to roll superfinishing. It's also a great match for automotive powertrain components, which tend to require a flexible abrasive that can get into hard-to-reach spaces. This abrasive is uniquely suited to help with polishing and finishing on many different workpieces: gelcoat, soft and hard rubber, soft and hard composites, fiberglass and metals. As a sheet, 272 has great flexibility in terms of its form. The sheet can be cut and shaped to meet the dimensions of your part or project, and may be used by hand or with microfinishing machines.

We engineer 272L by anchoring aluminum oxide mineral to a polyester backing with resin. We chose aluminum oxide mineral for this abrasive because it is a popular choice among industrial professionals who favor the fast cut-rate and long life. Aluminum oxide's hardness, strength and low heat retention help the sheet withstand wear and tear. Still, aluminum oxide is softer than minerals like silicon carbide or diamond, which prevents the Film Sheet from severely altering part geometry.

Features a Water-Resistant Polyester Backing
272L features a micro-mesh polyester backing. In general, micro-mesh abrasives are known for their flexibility and malleability — it's what makes them a great match for microfinishing operations.

Learn about 3M™ Microfinishing Film Products (PDF, 347.73 Kb)

Made with polyester, 272L is water resistant and can be run wet or dry. Applying a lubricant like water may help with washing away unwanted swarf and debris, which can clog the sheet and cause the mineral to dull prematurely. On dust-generating substrates, using a lubricant can come in handy. The polyester backing is one of the heavier backings, so it can stand up to edges without yielding or deflecting. The resin bond that fastens aluminum oxide to the backing helps the abrasive stay cool, because it breaks down and dissolves gradually as the belt rotates.

Available in a Range of Grades
Given that it's available in a versatile range of grades — from 9 to 100 micron — operators can select the right grade for their application. Higher grades, like 100 micron, are good for tougher applications providing coarser finishes, while lower grades, like 9 micron, are good for softer, finer finishes. Grades are color-coded to reduce the risk for error when there are multiple grades in a sequence.

The Benefits of 3M Microfinishing Abrasives
Altogether, 272L enables you to quickly remove traverse marks and feed lines, eliminate chatter, follow existing geometry and achieve desired Ra (roughness average).These are some of the reasons why this sheet and other 3M microfinishing abrasives are used across industries — from metalworking to woodworking.

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Learn more about Metalworking solutions (PDF, 12.95 Mb)