The optimal peripheral speed of flap wheels
Do you choose the optimal peripheral speed of your flap wheels?
Once you get to the delicate phase of surface finishing, there are several factors that might determine the result.
Firstly, you need to consider:
- what kind of processing you want to carry out – grinding, satin finishing, deburring or polishing operations, etc.;
- the degree of roughness you wish to obtain.
Obviously, the types of material to be processed need to be taken into account before the whole operation:
- metal, iron, steel, stainless steel, plastic, composites, wood etc.
all have different physical characteristics and therefore require an intervention with different abrasives:
- aluminum oxide, zirconium, ceramic, silicon carbide, etc.
Secondly, you need to choose the right tool (electric or pneumatic), the flexible abrasive (belts, flap wheels with spindle/hole, discs, etc.) and the grit.
When you finally take action, you need to pay attention to the contact pressure that you exert on the surface and to the speed set on the tool.
Recommended peripheral speed
Especially in the case of flap wheels, very performing abrasive tools, you must carefully choose their peripheral speed (meter/second), that is recommended at 30-35 m/s for abrasive cloth wheels and at 10-15 m/s for abrasive non-woven wheels. “Recommended speed” is meant as the optimal speed that allows homogeneity of surface processing and wear of the abrasive on the wheel.
To establish a specific peripheral speed, it is necessary to adjust the speed of the tool spindle – measured in rounds/minute (RPM) – on which the wheel is mounted and to take into account the diameter of the wheel itself.
You can find a table below that will allow you to conveniently check the speed of the tool shaft based on the size of the wheel and the desired peripheral speed during use.
This table and others are also available on the last page of our catalogue.
Never forget to check the maximum number of rounds per minute (MAX RPM) indicated on the wheel label to avoid using it at a higher speed; in that case you could compromise your work and, more importantly, your safety.
Any doubts or curiosities? Call us or write to marketing@ctacalflex.it .
