Flap Wheels - Satin Finish Flap Wheels

Schaffner Manufacturing makes flap wheels designed for satin finishing.

Our low density, 3 dimensional or non woven abrasive media provides a means of producing uniform satin finishes. This material can also be used for de-burring or to refine the finish of a part prior to buffing. Today it is most commonly used to impart a cosmetic brushed or satin finish. The material used in this form of satin finishing applications is sometimes referred to as “Sati”. Sati is constructed from 3 basic materials: nylon fiber, resin and abrasive.

Because of the 3 dimensional construction the Sati material is graded differently than conventional abrasives. There are 5 common grades available, they are: Coarse, Medium, Fine, Very Fine and Ultra Fine. All grades are available in both Silicon Carbide and Aluminum Oxide. The grade and grain play an important part in the finish. Aluminum Oxide will leave a wide shallow grit line pattern while Silicon Carbide will leave a narrow deep grit line pattern. The construction or density of the wheel should also be considered.

Schaffner offers soft, medium and hard densities. Generally speaking the harder the wheel the longer the life and the greater the rate of cut. Softer wheels are most commonly used for cosmetic and decorative finishes and conform more readily to surface contours.

Flap Wheel Speed and Pressure

Generally the higher the surface feet per minute the higher the rate of cut however maximum safe operating speed of the wheel should not be exceeded. Conversely slower speed will lengthen the scratch and create a more uniform decorative finish. Listed below are some surface feet per minute recommendations for different applications.

Cleaning 2,000-5,000

De-burring 3,000-6,500

Decorative Finish 500-2,500

Work pressure should be just enough to get the desire results and no more. Excessive pressure can cause the part or wheel to burn or melt as well as premature wheel wear. Because of the controlled cut characteristics of 3 dimensional abrasive increased pressure does not necessarily increase cut. If more cut is needed it is recommended to go to a coarser wheel. Generally Decorative Finishing can be accomplished between 5-10 lbs of work pressure per inch while Cleaning and De-burring can be accomplished between 10-20 lbs. of work pressure per inch

Schaffner can manufacture Sati flap wheels and Sati Buffs to your specification. Diameter width, grade, grain and density can be adjusted to fit your application.