Flap Discs & Wheels are abrasive finishing accessories made up of multiple overlapping “flaps” of coated abrasive mounted on a rigid backing (disc) or on a cylindrical core (wheel). They combine the cutting action of a grinding wheel with the finishing capability of abrasive paper.
Key Characteristics:
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Overlapping Abrasive Flaps: Each flap is a piece of coated abrasive (typically aluminium oxide or zirconia alumina) layered to expose fresh abrasive as the disc or wheel wears.
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Backing Plate or Core:
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Disc: Flaps bonded to a flat, rigid plate (usually fibre or metal) for use on angle grinders.
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Wheel: Flaps arranged around a cylindrical core for use on bench grinders or die grinders.
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Grit Range: Available in coarse (e.g. 40–60 grit) for rapid stock removal, through medium (80–120 grit) for blending, to fine (150+ grit) for final finishing.
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Diameter & Mounting: Standard diameters from 50 mm up to 230 mm (discs) or 50–100 mm (wheels); mounted via centre holes to match spindle sizes (e.g. 22.23 mm for angle grinders).
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Flexible Yet Durable: The flap construction yields a smoother cut than flat grinding wheels, with less risk of gouging, while still offering aggressive material removal.
Common Uses:
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Weld Bead Blending: Smoothing weld seams to prepare for painting or polishing.
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Surface Preparation: Removing scale, rust or old coatings from metal before finishing.
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Deburring & Chamfering: Cleaning up sharp edges and burrs after cutting or machining.
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Stock Removal & Shaping: Rapidly reducing thickness on contours and profiles without damaging the workpiece.
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Final Finishing: Producing a uniform surface texture prior to paint, powder-coat or polish.
