Flapwielen

Flapwielen, or flap wheels, are cylindrical abrasive devices made from multiple overlapping abrasive flaps attached to a central backing. The flaps, usually of cloth or fiber, are bonded with resin or similar bonding and are designed to flex. This gives the wheel the ability to follow curves and contours while grinding, deburring, or finishing surfaces.

Construction and materials vary. The abrasive flaps can use aluminum oxide, zirconia alumina, or ceramic grains, chosen for wear resistance and heat tolerance. They are mounted on a mandrel or hub and come in different diameters, widths, and profiles, including round, conical, and cylindrical shapes. Grits range from coarse for material removal to fine for finishing, and flaps are arranged to provide continuous contact as the wheel rotates.

Applications and use are common in metalworking, woodworking, and plastics finishing. Flapwielen are used for deburring welds, radius and edge finishing, rust and paint removal, and contouring of irregular surfaces. They are typically used on die grinders, angle grinders, or rotary tools, offering good conformity to complex geometries while delivering a relatively cool cut and reduced risk of gouging compared with hard grinding wheels. They tend to wear gradually and can be rotated to extend life.

Safety and handling require standard abrasive-wheel precautions. Use eye and hearing protection, gloves as needed, and secure mounting. Inspect wheels for damage before use and follow tool speed ratings. Use appropriate backing sizes and mounting accessories to ensure stable operation and minimize the risk of wheel failure.