3M™ 265X Lapping Film Disc

3M Lapping Film 265X is a precision abrasive film: calibrated aluminium oxide grains, held in a soft resin and coated onto a self-adhesive polyester film. It is used for very high precision lapping and finishing, particularly in fibre optics.

Specifications

• Mineral: aluminium oxide, high-precision graded grains.
• Binder: softer resin than other 3M films.
• Backing: 3 mil polyester film, self-adhesive.
• Grade: 1 µm.
• Diameter: 203 mm.

What is a lapping film

A conventional abrasive paper carries grains of slightly scattered sizes: a few grains larger than average leave isolated scratches. At the micron scale, this is unacceptable.

A lapping film uses grains sorted to a very tight tolerance and spread in an even layer on a perfectly flat polyester film. The result is a uniform scratch, a repeatable finish and a constant cut throughout the life of the film.

The soft resin of the 265X

The resin holding the grains affects how the film behaves. A softer resin lets the grain yield slightly under pressure: the cut is gentler and the risk of a deep scratch is lower. This is what sets the 265X apart in the 3M lapping film range.

Uses

Polishing fibre optic connectors, finishing precision parts, lapping seal faces, sample preparation. At 1 µm, the film comes at the end of the sequence, after coarser grades have already shaped the surface.

Application

The self-adhesive back is laid on a flat, clean platen. The slightest dust trapped under the film creates a high spot that transfers to the part. Work is usually done with a lubricant, water or oil depending on the application, and the part is cleaned between grades so as not to contaminate the next film.

See also the 3M 266X lapping film, our micro-abrasive sheets and our 3M products.