A Flap Wheel is a type of abrasive wheel created from rough flaps or strips that radiate from the center of the wheel. These abrasive wheels come in several sizes and shapes, ranging from as small as four inches to as large as twenty-four inches or much larger sometimes. It is composed of the hub or the wheel’s center and the type of abrasive used.
The center part of the flap wheel secures the flaps together. The way in which these flaps are held together can vary. The method determines the arbor of the wheel. One of the most commonly used methods is making use of glue and adhesive, which bonds the straps at the center and in place.
There are three types of hubs, specifically the metal center, the cardboard center, and the mechanical center. The metal center is compatible with various types of flaps and it can be used for many applications. This type is considered an industrial standard. The cardboard center makes use of nonwoven abrasives. The mechanical center is the heavy duty type. It attaches flaps to the hub in groups. This type of center is advantageous because it possesses excellent balance and superior structural integrity.
The flap wheel can be made from a variety of materials. Among these are abrasives, cardboards, felt, buff cloths, or neoprene. Compared to other materials though, the abrasive flaps are more common choices. Whether woven or nonwoven, they are preferred among other materials. Abrasives are classified as either natural or artificial. Natural abrasives are crystals, such as diamonds and quartz, while artificial abrasives include silicon carbide and aluminum oxide. Silicon carbide is a fused crystalline abrasive. It tends to break under pressure, which makes it a perfect fast-cutting abrasive. It is well-suited to ferrous metals. Aluminum oxide is also a fused crystalline abrasive but it does not fracture easily. It is also likely to dull gradually.
How does one choose a flap wheel? There are several considerations when choosing the correct flap wheel. Among these, you should consider the machine you will be using, the arbor size, and the rpm rating of the drive spindle. Compared to abrasive belts, Flap Wheels do not have backup support, which is why the usual rules for choosing grain type and grit are not applicable. The aluminum oxide grain type is recommended for soft or hard materials. On aluminum and stainless materials, the use of silicon carbide is advised. A parameter table will also be of great assistance when choosing a flap wheel.
