To speed up work and maximize productivity, downtime must be minimized. To accomplish this, manufacturers that offer deburring, polishing, grinding, and other similar services commonly rely on abrasive quick change discs. These discs ensure a fluid operation that results in a faster finished product, but without added expense.
Abrasive quick change discs are designed as a tool-free and twist on/off-type fastening system that makes disc changes quick and easy. Unlike most discs, which have to be removed or changed out using some type of special tool, abrasive quick change discs are designed with a button located on the reverse side that allows the disc to release quickly. Because there is less time involved with changing discs, production becomes more efficient.
Primary Reasons for Using Abrasive Quick Change Discs
Changing this type of disc without using a special tool equates to less tool downtime. However, there are other advantages to consider, such as flexibility. A highly flexible abrasive quick change disc can conform to space with ease while decreasing the cut rate. In comparison, a rigid disc reduces both stock removal and cut rate.
In other words, if the abrasive quick change disc is flexible, the finish is finer, stock removal is lower, and conformability is greater. With a rigid disc, the finish is coarser, stock removal is higher, and conformability is lower. To achieve either a flexible or rigid abrasive quick change disc, different methods are used.
- Undersized Holder – Most abrasive quick change discs are 2 or 3 inches in diameter. By using an undersized holder measuring 1 or 1½ inches, the degree of flexibility increases, as does contour around the workpiece.
- Holder Hardness – Another way to vary the degree of flexibility for discs involves the holder hardness. In this case, you would simply choose a different hardness backup pad, available in soft, medium, and hard rubber.
- Additional Options – Multiple plies of backing, slotted edges, and varied stiffness backing at the location of the edges are also used to change the flexibility of discs.
Applications for and Benefits of Abrasive Quick Change Discs
As a general rule, finer grinding is used for light deburring, finishing, and cleaning, whereas medium grinding is for heavy deburring and blending and coarser grinding is for beveling and chamfering edges, as well as removing welds and medium/heavy stock.
Beyond faster production and cost savings, abrasive quick change discs offer incredible benefits, including:
- Virtual elimination of shredding and snagging that occurs with pressure sensitive discs
- Safely increasing RPM
- Faster stock removal with less glazing and loading
- Perfectly centered without moving parts, center screw, or adhesives
- Availability of different mounting systems