How to Grind Aggressively in Corners and Other Tight Spaces

Right-angle Korner zirconia and ceramic flap discs from Weldcote Metals (Kings Mountain, NC) feature a unique design where the abrasive material wraps over the edge of the flap disc, allowing the user to grind aggressively into corners and other areas that are tight fits, including fillet welds. Ideal for applications on carbon-based steels and stainless steel, Korner flap discs are lightweight and easy to control for less gouging of metal material. These flap discs are available in both high-quality zirconia and ceramic grains that promote fast metal removal. With a poly-cotton backing for superior flexibility, the zirconia Z-Prime version is available in 4½ in, 5 in, 7 in sizes and in grits ranging from 36 to 80. The ceramic C-Prime version features a strong, polyester backing for longer life, is sized at 4½ in and is available in grits ranging from 36 to 80.

Both flap disc materials are offered with a patented 5/8-11 built-in hub and with a standard 7/8 in arbor hole. Both feature a compressed shape developed to increase product life and reduce inventory costs for the end user. Smaller 2 in and 3 in size mini Roll-On versions of the Z-Prime zirconia flap discs are also available in six grits of each size, ranging from 36 to 120. “Our Roll-On versions of Korner Z-Prime flap discs will outlast competing quick change discs by up to six to one,” noted Joe O’Mera, the chief executive officer of Weldcote, which also offers Quick-Change, Roll-On and Turn-On ceramic C-Prime discs for finishing, grinding, deburring and blending steel, stainless steel, ferrous and nonferrous metals. These high-quality discs are manufactured of an improved ceramic grain structure that is available in seven grits ranging from 24 to 120 in the 2 in size disc and six grits ranging from 24 to 120 in the 3 in size disc. Quick-Change, Turn-On ceramic C-Prime discs are available in six grits ranging from 36 to 120 in the 2 in size disc and three grits ranging from 36 to 80 in the 3 in size disc.

Quick-Change, Coated, Roll-On and Turn-On ceramic discs eliminate the need for installation tools with their twist-on-and-off attaching systems that allow rapid disc changes and maximize productivity by minimizing downtime. This line is made entirely in the U.S., from design and lamination to the die-cut and spin-weld processes. Using an improved manufacturing technology, Weldcote developed a proprietary ceramic abrasive grain with a finer crystallized structure that offers longer life, more aggressive grains and improved self-sharpening features when compared to traditional ceramic products. The ceramic grain improvements provide higher metal removal rates at faster cutting speeds with lower grinding temperatures and less friction. “These Quick-Change ceramic discs provide users with longer life and a higher rate of material removal,” said O’Mera. “The coated discs can be quickly and conveniently changed out and use a proprietary material that provides more aggressive performance.”

While C-Prime flap discs feature strong polyester backing for aggressive grinding applications that does not require excessive flexibility, C-Prime Plus flap discs feature an industry-first, poly-cotton backing with high-quality ceramic grain that provides excellent stretch and flexibility while adding enough strength to maximize the aggressive cutting points of ceramic grain. These ceramic grains contain a grinding aid for cooler running temperatures that reduces the risk of discoloration and heat-induced deformations of the final workpiece. They are also self-sharpening for longer periods of use than similar flap discs on the market. C-Prime flap discs are available in 4½ in and 7 in sizes, and C-Prime Plus flap discs are available in 4½ in, 5 in and 6 in sizes. “C-Prime Plus flap discs feature a proprietary compressed design that gives the user a tough edge, increased performance and 50 percent to 60 percent higher stock removal rates over standard ceramic flap discs,” added O’Mera. “These increased removal rates can provide significant savings and increased productivity for users in the field.

Weldcote Metals, 842 Oak Grove Road, Kings Mountain, NC 28086, 704-739-4115, Fax: 704-739-6116, [email protected], weldcotemetals.com.