How to Choose the Correct Flap Disc for Your Application

Their are several factors which effect flap disc performance for a given application. These factors include;

1. The type of coated abrasives
2. The shape of the disc
3. The thickness of the discs
4. The speed at which the flap disc is operated.

By understanding the factors above, users can choose the best flap disc for their operation and minimize both cost and grinding time.
 
1. Types of coated Abrasives
 
Zirconia - Best for Steel
 



Zirconia is the most widely used coated abrasive for flap discs. Zirconia is an
extremely hard grain which excels at grinding while providing a long service life.

Lehigh Valley uses a superior Zirconia cloth which includes a lubricant and is made in Germany. The lubricant keeps the grinding tempature low and allows our zirconia discs to also be used on stainless steel and other high nickel alloys.


Ceramic - Best for Stainless Steel



Ceramic grain flap discs excel at grinding and finishing stainless steel and other high nickel alloys. The tough ceramic grain cuts faster and cooler than any other grain type.

Tests have shown that for stainless steel applications, ceramic grain flap discs lasts twice as longs as zirconia cloth and removes material 50% faster.


Turbo Disc - Best for Aluminum

Traditionally flap discs clog and load when grinding aluminum and other soft metals (brass, copper bronze). The Lehigh Valley Abrasives Turbo Disc contains a special calcium stearate coating on the disc which prevents clogging.

The turbo disc significantly outlasts competitive flap discs on aluminum and other soft metals due to its resistance to clogging.

Additional Factors to Consider


Shape

Flap discs are available it type 29 conical and type 27 flat.

Type 29 conical is ideal for heavy metal removal tasks because the tapered shape allows for full contact between the flaps and work pieces.

Type 27 flap is ideal for finer finishing as it is more forgiving and thus produces a more even scratch patter.

Thickness


Flap discs are offered in both standard and jumbo thicknesses. Standard thickness offers the ability to access tighter work areas and more control over the disc.

Jumbo flap discs are 50% thicker than standard discs and therefore last approximately 50% longer. For high volume production jumbo flap discs are ideal as they minimize the time operators spend changing discs.