Flap discs

What you need to know about a flap disc

A flap disc is a grinding disc made of packages of flaps (small pieces of abrasive cloth) to which abrasive grains are applied. A flap disc can be used for many applications: removing weld spatter, metal cutting, deburring, removing casting burrs, chamfering edges and corners, cleaning, matting and finishing. Because they are slightly flexible, a flap disc allows you to follow the contours of a workpiece better than, for example, a fibre disc. It is important that the (linen) backing and the abrasive grains wear and break out evenly.

TIP:> If your angle grinder and the work allow it, working with a 125 mm flap disc is usually more economical than working with a 115 mm disc. For a small additional cost, you get much more grinding material. You will find that you can work longer and faster. A 115 mm flap disc has the advantage that a lighter machine can be used. Ease of handling can be a deciding factor. It is also possible to exert more pressure on the tip with the same force. 
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Pneumatic version
Electric version
 

Qualities and grit sizes of a flap disc

Flap discs are available in a wide range of qualities. This depends, among other things, on the backing. This can be made of fibreglass, metal or plastic. In addition, the abrasive cloth used, the bond and the abrasive material itself are also important. Each brand usually offers different qualities in various types, sizes and shapes. We have listed the most common grains and their applications for you:
  
Aluminium oxide ,'brown' for "lighter" applications such as sanding aluminium, plastic, grinding softer to normal types of steel
View our flap discs with aluminium oxide grain

Zirconium oxide, 'blue' for 'normal' applications, long-term use, harder types of steel, stainless steel, welded seams, etc.
Zirconium oxide, 'green' for 'heavier' applications where service life and reduced heat development are important
View our flap discs with zirconium oxide grains

Ceramic grain: 'red' for very heavy-duty applications with high pressure, high-powered machines without excessive heat build-up
View our flap discs with ceramic grains

We would also like to mention the CubitronII quality from 3M, famous for its extremely long service life and fast removal rate. This disc will definitely save you money on labour costs in the production process.
View our flap discs with CubitronII grain

 

Flat or conical flap disc

The most common types are the flat flap and the conical flap. The flat flap disc is mainly used on flat surfaces, while the conical version is used on sloping surfaces or in places that are more difficult to reach.  
 

Rotational speeds of flap discs

Disc diameter Peripheral speedrpm
115 x 22 80m/s                  13300 rpm
  125 x 22 80m/s 12200 rpm 12200 rpm 180 x 22 80m/s 8500 rpm