Flex is a commonly used tool in construction and other industries, also known as an angle grinder. It is a small electric machine to which various cutting discs and grinding wheels can be attached. It is ideal for cutting, grinding, sanding, and cleaning various materials. Flex has no problem functioning when facing sheet metal, metal tubes, or metal bars. One of the most important parts of this nifty little machine is the cutting disc, which allows you to cut and machine as desired. In this article, we'll briefly summarise what you need to know about the angle grinder and why the cutting disc for flex is a must-have in every toolbox.
What is flex?
A flex or angle grinder is a small electric machine that can be used by attaching different discs. The popularity of the angle grinder is due to its versatility.
Although its name may suggest that it is designed for sanding corners, it is excellent for many other tasks. In addition to cutting, sanding, and polishing, it can also be used to create wall grooves for electrical wiring, for example. The tool is also excellent for cutting and grinding wood, metal, plastic, ceramics, paving stones, concrete, and other materials, with the right choice of discs.
Safety measures are also required when working with angle grinders. The use of protective equipment is recommended, and the workpiece must be properly secured. It is also important to use a handle and wear safety glasses to protect against chips and splinters.
What discs are available for flex?
There are many different types of discs for flex, which can be chosen to suit the task at hand. Some of them are:
Abrasive discs
This is the most used type of disc for flex. They can be used for sanding, cleaning surfaces, cleaning cuts, or preparing metal workpieces before welding. The hardness and smoothness of the abrasive discs are measured by grain size so that the appropriate discs can be selected based on the challenge ahead.
Cutting discs
Cutting discs are thinner and are used to cut metals more accurately. These discs are specially designed to ensure precise and efficient cutting.
Lamellar discs
These discs are used for finishing touches, allowing for finer machining than abrasive discs. They can be used to remove scratches, and damages, and to polish metal surfaces.
Wire Discs
As the name suggests, the main component of a wire disc is the wire, which is attached to a circular disc. There are different sizes and shapes to choose from, depending on exactly what you want to use the disc for. Thinner versions, for example, allow for a more delicate approach, while thicker ones, which have a coarser bristle, allow for very fast and efficient work.
Diamond cutting discs
Diamond, thanks to its hardness, is an excellent material for cutting. These cutting discs have a cutting flange which helps the cutting process itself. As a basic principle, the larger the rim, the more durable the disc. Crucially, diamond-cutting discs can be used for both wet-cutting and dry-cutting jobs. They are versatile, even granite can be worked with these discs.
Polishing pads
Polishing pads can be used to polish the material after the work is finished. They can be used to polish very gently, resulting in a shiny surface. It is important to note that polishing requires the right speed, so not all angle grinders can be used for polishing.
Cutting disc for flex: the most important things to know
Cutting discs can be used for cutting a variety of materials. They are characterised by the fact that they give off heat during the operation, which means that proper cooling must be ensured.
Cutting discs for flex are available in three versions: standard versions contain 19-22% industrial diamond grit, but there are also so-called economy and premium types. In the economy version, the diamond grit is 10-15%, in the premium version it is 25-30%.
It is essential to know that the design of the segments of the cutting blades depends on the material on which they will be used. If they are used exclusively on that material, they can achieve the highest cutting speed and the longest life. Accordingly, there are, for example, granite cutters, marble cutters, concrete cutters, and brick cutters.
Cutting discs can be used in different ways: some types are wet discs, there are dry discs, and so-called wet-dry discs, which allow mixed-use.
An important concept is segment height, which is something that slowly wears away with use. This means that eventually, it will no longer be suitable to do the cutting work. Equally important is the segment width, which is effectively the thickness of the carrier disc. As a basic rule, the power of the motor should be chosen in proportion to the width of the segment. If it is too thin, the cutting disc will be more easily damaged.
The size of the discs is related to the speed of the angle grinder. Smaller ones are most efficient at higher speeds, up to 10,000 to 15,000 rpm, while for larger ones a lower speed is recommended, for example, 2,800 rpm.
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