The paper backing of our 3M™ Paper Belt 346UZ provides smooth operation and durability. The abrasive side features an open coat structure. The open coat construction resists loading better than closed coat belts, particularly on soft wood. This belt also features our 3M dust management technology that reduces static cling in the dust particles, allowing them to be evacuated more easily when coupled with an efficient dust collection system. To support desired finishing results, the belt ends are joined using an sine wave splice that promotes belt strength and resists hinging and splice fatigue. The splice travels smoothly over contact wheels and platens, minimizes chatter marks, and promotes smooth operation in either direction for consistent finishing results. 3M™ Paper Belt 346UZ features a premium aluminum oxide abrasive, which is a popular choice among industrial professionals because of its cut-rate and long life. This mineral is a tough, durable abrasive that self-fractures to expose fresh cutting edges in use, whereas traditional abrasives, such as garnet, quickly wear down with use. Due to its high cut-rate, hardness, strength, and low heat retention, aluminum oxide mineral is widely used for sanding and finishing applications. Aluminum oxide is suitable on a wide variety of substrates in both woodworking and metalworking, including ferrous alloys. Abrasive belts come in many different widths and lengths and are used on a variety of different belt sanders for many different applications on both wood and metal. 3M offers a broad selection of belts to fit most any industrial belt sander. Wider belts are used to dimension and sand large wood panels, smooth rough cut edges of metal sheets, or add a grain pattern to stainless steel sheets. Medium-width belts fit onto edge or portable belt sanders for sanding or blending wood pieces such as cabinet doors.