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Non-woven abrasive tools for angle grinders
Where the possibilities of other abrasive tools end, non-woven abrasives begin. They are an excellent choice for the perfect finalization of products with such a wide range of applications, especially with regard to machined materials, that no other tool can match them.
What are non-woven abrasives
When we talk about nonwoven abrasive tools, abrasive fleece tools, abrasive fleece, nonwoven abrasives or nonwoven abrasive tools, we are talking about the same thing - nonwoven abrasives. The basis is a "cobweb" made of nylon fibers, which resembles a sponge when pressed. The fibers are usually nylon, they are not woven (hence the name nonwoven ), but connected to each other with synthetic resins and impregnated with abrasive grain. The type of abrasive can be different, aluminum oxide - corundum is most often used. This is how a three-dimensional abrasive material is created, which has important properties: it is flexible, adapts to the workpiece and has a long service life.
fig. 1 Macro photograph of non-woven abrasive material
Grinding principle
The three-dimensional network of fibers behaves like a sponge - it returns to its original shape when pressed with a finger and then released. This allows the abrasive to better adapt to the surface without causing errors during grinding. These properties also make non-woven abrasives an excellent choice for surface cleaning and preparation, as well as for finishing operations such as deburring, polishing and decorative final work.
Although non-woven abrasive tools are extremely versatile, they are not the optimal choice for removing rough surface irregularities. They are effective on stainless steel, standard and alloy steel, non-ferrous materials and their alloys, they are excellent on aluminum, titanium, glass fibers, plastics and even wood.
fig. 2 Example of surface processing
Abrasive discs with lamellae made of non-woven abrasives
One of the most useful tools for sanding is the popular flap sanding disc. Abrasive belts, from which lamella grinding wheels are made, have a grinding surface made of corundum, zirconium corundum or ceramic grains of various grain sizes, most often in the range from P40 (coarse) to P120 (fine).
Instead of such abrasive belts, non-woven abrasive belts are used. They differ in that at first glance they are considerably thicker and there are much fewer of them.
fig. 3 Abrasive belt and ready lamella disc
How to use lamella discs with lamellas made of non-woven abrasives
To achieve the desired result of surface treatment of the workpiece, we have three variables in our hands:
- Choice of tool variant: with coarse, medium coarse or fine grinding grain
- Changing the speed of rotation of the tool
- Changing the pressure force during machining
Tool variants
The most used range allows a choice between coarse, medium and fine sanding cloth. True, individual suppliers may have a wider range - extra coarse or extra fine, even " micro " fine. However, given the other two variables at our disposal (pressure and velocity), we can make do with the basic three. We can easily recognize them by their color: coarse is brown (reddish-brown), medium-thick red (burgundy red) and fine blue (blue-green).
In this context, it is necessary to say that while we consider P60 to P80 grain sizes as medium for standard lamellar wheels, such grain sizes are considered coarse for fleece wheels.
fig. 4 Non-woven abrasive belts
fig. 5 From left: coarse, medium and fine grinding wheels
Tool speed
The speed determines the working speed of the tool during machining. Flap discs with lamellas made of non-woven abrasives of the most commonly used diameter of 125 mm are most effective in the range of speeds from 3,000 to 9,000 rpm . Again, the choice of speed depends on the material of the workpiece and the desired surface finish. Lower operating speeds are suitable for cleaning, higher speeds are better for polishing. For this reason, it is also necessary to use an angle grinder with adjustable speeds when working - we can easily choose speeds suitable for cleaning or polishing.
Pressure force
The three-dimensional structure of non-woven abrasive tools does not need strong pressure. We recommend a pressure in the range from 1.5 to 3 kg. Higher pressure will not speed up the work, it will only cause premature wear of the tool. For removing burrs and polishing hard materials we use higher pressures, for decorative finishing work we press the angle grinder only lightly.
Conclusion
Abrasive fleece tools are a very good addition for anyone who uses bonded and coated abrasive tools . The abrasive grain is evenly dispersed throughout the nylon fabric, ensuring a continuous "feed" of new grain to replace the worn grain. With the right speed and pressure, they allow to achieve a consistent, even surface finish with minimal staining of the workpiece.
Sources:
HERMAN internal technical and training materials
https://www.nortonabrasives.com/en-us/resources/expertise/how-choose-and-use-non-woven-abrasives
https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/b40065088/
https://g-wendt.com/en/all-products/nonwoven-abrasive-and-coated-abrasive/
Ing. Herman Nagypál
I graduated from a military school. I learned to work with tools and equipment as a child with my father on the construction of our family house. I test each of our new products personally - with my own hands in my well-equipped workshop. In my spare time, I study trends in the field and like to try competitive products. Some of them make me laugh, and some of them make me wonder (that someone got caught and bought it), but some are really good. Almost like ours 😊.
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