A flap
disc is a type of abrasive tool used for grinding, finishing, and polishing various surfaces. It is commonly used in metalworking, woodworking, and other industries where material removal and surface preparation are required. The flap disc consists of a circular flat disc made of multiple overlapping flaps or abrasive cloth strips that are adhered to a central hub.
The flaps of the disc are typically made from various abrasive materials such as aluminum oxide, zirconia alumina, or ceramic. These abrasive materials are designed to offer different levels of hardness and aggressiveness, allowing the flap disc to be used for a wide range of applications. The flaps are angled in a way that they provide a consistent cutting action when the disc rotates.
The hub of the flap disc is made of a sturdy material such as fiberglass or plastic, which holds the flaps in place and provides stability during operation. The disc is mounted onto an angle grinder or a specialized flap disc tool, which spins the disc at high speeds to achieve the desired grinding or finishing effect.
Flap discs are available in various sizes, typically ranging from 4 to 7 inches in diameter, with different grit ratings. The grit rating determines the coarseness of the abrasive material and affects the amount of material removal and the smoothness of the finish. Lower grit numbers indicate coarse abrasives for rapid material removal, while higher grit numbers indicate finer abrasives for smoother finishes.
One of the advantages of flap discs is their versatility. They can be used for grinding, blending, and finishing operations on different types of materials such as metal, wood, plastics, and even stone. The overlapping flaps provide a cool grinding action and allow for a consistent finish without excessive heat buildup.