It might be difficult to choose the best China surface finishing supplier product for grinding and surface finishing applications. For these tasks, a variety of abrasive product types may be employed, and each is offered in a wide range of sizes, grits, and styles. Having a lot of options is beneficial, but it can also be confusing.
For instance, when using a right-angle grinder, you have the option of employing grinding wheels, flap discs, or resin-fiber discs, each of which has benefits and disadvantages of its own.
This article compares the three varieties using the same grain type and wheel size for each.
Although they generate a somewhat sluggish cut and the roughest finish, grinding wheels often have the longest product life and highest durability. Grinding wheels are the most affordable of the three alternatives.
While lasting far longer than a resin-fiber disc but not nearly as long as a grinding wheel, flap discs provide a quick cut and an appropriate life. The fact that flap discs grind and finish simultaneously is a significant advantage. Additionally, they maintain a constant pace of grinding and finishing throughout the lifespan of the disc. Of the three product types, flap discs typically have the greatest initial purchase cost.
The least long-lasting and with the shortest lifespan are resin-fiber discs, which also have the lowest initial cost. Resin-fiber discs may cut extremely quickly for a little amount of time, but after the initial usage, the grains begin to wear and become dull, which causes the cut rate and surface quality to continuously deteriorate.
Additionally, the price of backing pads, which are required to support resin-fiber discs, is increased. Selecting the right backing pad has an impact on the disc’s performance and stiffness. When grinding at low angles of approach or in confined spaces, the lock nut that secures the resin-fiber disc to the backing pad may interfere if you use a disc with a simple arbour hole.
Before choosing one of the three items, you should respond to the following questions after you are aware of their differences and advantages.
Surface Finish: Is It Significant?
If the answer to this query is no, using a grinding wheel is an excellent choice. Due to its extended lifespan, durability, and less costly initial purchase price, it is less expensive to use than a flap disc.
If the answer is yes, a flap disc is your best option as it can be used to blend and leave a consistent finish in one pass without needing different materials for grinding and then finishing.
Resin-fiber discs can grind and polish, but keep in mind that as they are used, their finish and cutting-rate performance decline.
Finally, you could finish this procedure with a grinding wheel, but because grinding wheels leave a rough finish, you would need to use a second tool for the final stage. While utilising two tools rather than one will help your finishing tools last longer, it also adds to the amount of time it takes to do the work.
Price 2: Is it Important?
A resin-fiber disc is the least costly choice if the initial cost of the item is your primary concern. Remember that minor chores are where these discs work best. They initially cut quickly, but as opposed to a flap disc or grinding wheel, they quickly wear out.
Although resin-fiber discs are less expensive initially, you may need to purchase 15 or 20 of them to obtain the same lifespan as a flap disc. Keep in mind that buying a backing pad is also required to use a resin-fiber disc.
A higher initial cost for one flap disc could provide a better rate of return. To get the greatest value, remember to take grinding and finishing costs into account while examining buying costs.
Do I need more productivity?
The finishing tool you choose may have an impact on time and cost savings if you want to increase production, throughput, or cut labour expenditures.
Flap discs are the most productive option if a fine finish is required since they grind and finish in a single pass, saving you time.
Because of the product’s overall cut rate, prolonged life, and durability, employing a grinding wheel may assist increase productivity and throughput in situations when surface polish is not crucial. It is possible to finish and dispatch more tasks.
Concerned About Ruining My Workpiece, Question 4
Because they are more stiff than flap discs or resin-fiber discs, grinding wheels often have a larger risk for harming the workpiece, particularly if you press too hard or if the wheel slides.
To lessen the danger of gouging, bring the wheel toward you rather than pushing it away while making the initial stroke, particularly when using a fresh grinding wheel. Gouging causes additional expenses for damaged materials or wasted time spent grinding out that error, as well as rework.
Additionally, compared to flap discs or resin-fiber discs, grinding wheels have a stronger propensity to retain heat. For instance, when using a grinding wheel on stainless steel, this heat may cause “bluing up” of the material, when the surface actually appears blue, as a result of too much heat. Again, this may result in extra expenses for materials that are damaged or time spent on rework.
If you press too hard or slide, flap discs are often more forgiving and less likely to gouge the material. Depending on how firm the backing pad is, resin-fiber discs may also be more accommodating.
Consider Your Options for the Best Results
Although there are many products available for grinding and surface finishing, it’s necessary to understand the benefits and drawbacks of each product to achieve the best results and complete the task at hand. Perhaps product lifetime is your top priority, or perhaps you want the quickest cut. Are initial purchase costs a major factor, or are productivity and throughput gains more important to you?
