Flap wheels are abrasive tools used in metalworking, woodworking, and other industries to remove material, polish, and finish surfaces.
They consist of a wheel or disk made of overlapping abrasive flaps that are attached to a central hub. The flaps wear down over time, exposing fresh abrasive material, which ensures a consistent finish.
There are different types of flap wheels available, each designed for specific applications.
Aluminum oxide flap wheels are the most common type of flap wheel. They are made of aluminum oxide abrasive grains that are attached to a cloth backing. They are used for general-purpose grinding, deburring, and blending of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, as well as wood and plastics.
Zirconia flap wheels are similar to aluminum oxide flap wheels, but they use zirconia abrasive grains that are harder and more durable than aluminum oxide. They are ideal for heavy-duty grinding and stock removal on hard metals such as stainless steel, as well as other tough materials like cast iron and titanium.
Ceramic flap wheels are made of ceramic abrasive grains that are bonded to a polyester backing. They are designed for heavy-duty grinding and are ideal for use on hardened steel, heat-treated metals, and aerospace alloys.
Silicon carbide flap wheels are made of silicon carbide abrasive grains that are attached to a cloth backing. They are used for grinding and polishing hard materials such as glass, ceramics, and composites. They are also ideal for removing rust and paint from metal surfaces.
Non-woven flap wheels are made of non-woven abrasive material that is compressed and bonded together. They are used for light deburring and finishing on metals, plastics, and composites. They are also ideal for polishing and cleaning surfaces.
Felt flap wheels are made of compressed wool felt that is mounted on a hub. They are used for polishing and finishing metal surfaces, as well as other delicate materials like glass and ceramics. They are ideal for achieving a high-gloss finish.
Diamond flap wheels are made of diamond abrasive grains that are embedded in a resin matrix. They are used for grinding and polishing hard materials such as granite, marble, and concrete. Diamond flap wheels are ideal for achieving a smooth surface finish and can be used wet or dry.
Surface conditioning flap wheels are made of a non-woven material that is impregnated with abrasive particles. They are used for deburring, cleaning, and finishing metal surfaces, as well as removing rust and paint. Surface conditioning flap wheels are ideal for preparing surfaces for painting or coating.
Interleaf flap wheels are made of alternating layers of abrasive material and non-woven material. They are used for blending and finishing metal surfaces, as well as removing weld seams and burrs. Interleaf flap wheels are ideal for achieving a uniform finish on irregular or contoured surfaces.
Unitized flap wheels are made of compressed non-woven material that is impregnated with abrasive particles. They are used for blending, deburring, and finishing metal surfaces, as well as removing rust and paint. Unitized flap wheels are ideal for use on contoured surfaces and provide a consistent finish.
In conclusion, flap wheels are versatile abrasive tools that come in a variety of types to suit different applications.
The selection of the right flap wheel depends on factors such as the material to be worked on, the level of stock removal required, and the desired finish. With the right flap wheel, you can achieve a high-quality surface finish on your workpiece.
