What Everybody Ought To Know About 3M Diamond
Lapping Film
Author: Colin Yao
What are lapping films?
Lapping films are thin polyester films coated (resin bonded)
with tightly graded abrasive particles such as aluminum oxide,
silicon carbide, cerium oxide or diamond. The popular particle
grades (particle size measured in diameter) are 0.05, 0.1, 0.3,
0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 12, 15, 20 and 30 microns. (One
micron is about 1/50 of a human hair diameter)
The applications for lapping films range from polishing fiber
optics, optical components, ceramic capacitors, computer hard
drive read-write heads, ceramic seals, etc. The main
characteristic of lapping films is that they produce very flat
surfaces, especially across materials having a wide range in
hardness.
What are lapping films used for?
Lapping films are used for lapping and polishing a substrate to
achieve super-fine, highly consistent finishes. Their major
applications include fiber optic connector polishing, magnetic
heads, floppy disks, magnetic media, metals, plastics, oxide
disks, etc.
Why are diamonds used in these lapping films?
Diamond is one of the hardest materials on earth. So diamond
particles are used to polish some very hard materials such as
ceramics, glass, carbide, composites, exotic alloys and other
hard materials that aluminum oxide, silicon carbide or other
abrasive materials can not handle.
What kind of substrates can 3M diamond lapping film polish?
3M diamond lapping film can be used on ceramics such as
zirconia (material used on fiber optic connector ferrules),
glass, carbide, stone, exotic alloys, etc.
Are there alternative materials than diamonds?
Yes. Lapping films with other type of abrasive particles such
as aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, cerium oxide are even more
popular because of their low cost.
What are the advantages of using 3M diamond lapping films
instead of cheaper aluminum oxide or other abrasive lapping
films?
1. Long life
2. Produces superior surface finish
3. Reduces overall process time
4. Produces high yields
5. Consistent results throughout life of product
What forms are available of these lapping films?
3M diamond lapping films come in shape of sheets, discs and
rolls. The maximum width is 12 inch. The most popular sizes used
in fiber optic connector polishing include 4 inch disc, 5 inch
disc and 6x6 inch sheet.
The 3M diamond lapping film color code for diamond grit size
Each lapping film manufacturers may use their own color code to
distinguish between different particle sizes. For 3M diamond
lapping films, the color code is as follows:
0.1 micron – green, 0.5 micron – white, 1.0 micron – lavender,
1.5 micron – light green, 3.0 micron – pink, 6.0 micron – brown,
9.0 micron – blue, 15.0 micron – orange, 20.0 micron – burgundy,
30.0 micron – green, 45.0 micron – amber, 60.0 micron - amber
How do you store 3M diamond lapping films and what are their
shelf lives?
Although the storage of lapping films usually do not require
special condition, the recommended storage temperature is
10~32°C, relative humidity if 30~70%. It is recommended that the
product should be used within 2 years of purchase.
3M Diamond Lapping Film Discs are available for wet or dry
(W/D) applications with Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) or
Plain Back from 0.1 micron to 45 micron. Special size orders are
also available.
3M Diamond Lapping Film Discs or Sheets have a longer life and
are recommended for critical applications. Available in discs
and sheets from 0.5 micron to 9 micron. Special size orders are
also available.
About The Author: Colin Yao is the sales manager at Fiber
Optics For Sale Co. http://www.fiberoptics4sale
specializes in 3M Diamond Lapping Films
http://www.fiberoptics4sale
