Flap discs, the versatile abrasive.

Unlike fibre discs, made from a circular flat sheet of a coated abrasive, flap discs are three-dimensional grinding discs consisting of overlapping layers of abrasive-coated, fibre-reinforced flaps attached to a central hub. These flaps continually wear away with use to expose fresh mineral for a fast, consistent cut.

Flap discs offers an unbeatable system for grinding and blending in one easy step. It is a staple in most fabrication shops as it is the most versatile abrasive around to tackle tough grinding and finishing jobs, it’s easy to use and covers a wide range of applications on all types of metal.

Let’s talk shop: In a flap over flap discs.

Flap discs provide a system for removing material and finishing in one step, making them a time and cost-saving solution in many typical applications. Designed for everyday high performance, they are ideal for use in applications such as weld grinding, deburring, rust removal, edge grinding, and weld seam blending.

Tech tips, Nathan says:

1. Flap discs are more forgiving than fibre or grinding discs. They are flexible, so they easily follow curves and contours delivering less gouging and greater operator comfort, an ideal one-step alternative to bonded wheels and fibre discs.
2. 3M’s 769F flap disc finishes finer than an equivalent fibre disc of the same grade. This means that you can potentially reduce a process step to achieve the same finish.

Pro tip:

• Rather than grinding with a 36 grit fibre disc and following with a 60 or 80 grit, the 40+ grade 769F flap disc can finish with a similar surface roughness to the 80 grit fibre disc.

Performance without compromise.

Get more from your abrasives with the 3M™ Flap Disc 769F powered by 3M™ Precision-Shaped Grain for faster cutting, longer life and reduced manufacturing steps. By combining outstanding speed and abrasive life, this flap disc delivers more work for your money to keep grinding until your job is complete. See it in action in the video below.

3M™ Flap Disc 769F.

3M™ Flap Disc 769F represent a new class of right angle abrasives. An unbeatable combination of performance and value powered by the legendary speed and long life of 3M Precision-Shaped Grain. Designed for everyday high performance, they offer a faster cut and longer life than aluminium oxide and alumina zirconia wheels. 3M™ Flap Disc 769F lasts longer and holds up strong to high-pressure applications like beveling, weld grinding and edge deburring. Plus, it leaves a finish that makes them an excellent choice for mediumpressure applications like blending and surface preparation.

Features and benefits:

• Delivers long-lasting high performance and versatility at a value price
• Contains 3M Precision-Shaped Grain, which cuts faster and lasts longer than conventional abrasive grain
• Proven to outperform traditional alumina zirconia flap discs
• Individual flaps break down, exposing fresh mineral to deliver consistent cut rate for the life of the disc
• Ideal for use on mild steel, stainless steel and other heat-sensitive alloys
• Covers a wide range of applications from weld grinding and beveling to surface prep

If you have any questions or for more information about 3M™ Flap Disc 769F to meet the needs of your specific application contact your 3M Abrasive System Specialist or explore our Industrial Abrasives & Finishing products.

About Nathan Bamford.

Nathan Bamford is 3M’s Application Engineer for the Abrasive Systems Division, Australia and New Zealand. He provides technical end user guidance and advice around the selection, use and maintenance of abrasive products and systems.

Nathan has a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering and has been with 3M for ten years across a variety of businesses, from Automotive OEM, Industrial Adhesives and Tapes, Aerospace, and Abrasive Systems.

Nathan has a fascination with how things work and possesses extensive experience, knowledge and skills in optimising processes. He is passionate about how using quality abrasive products can improve both efficiencies and safety.