Expert Advice: Everything you need to know about radial wheels

This blog details everything you need to know about radial wheels.

What are radial wheels? 

Radial wheels, also known as habras wheels or radial discs are used for buffing and polishing. Radial discs are made of grit impregnated plastic, they produce a uniform finish throughout their life with no mess as no compound is necessary. The flaps make these wheels cool running, non-loading and flexible- Ideal for getting into very fine detail.

They are characterized by their unique design, which features a series of small abrasive pads arranged radially around a central hub. The discs are available in a wide range of sizes and grits, making them suitable for a variety of applications.

What are they used for?

Radial discs are commonly used in the jewellery, dental, and automotive industries, where precision grinding and polishing are essential. They are also used in woodworking, metalworking, and other industries where surface finishing is important.

The benefits of Radial wheels

One of the primary benefits of radial discs is their ability to conform to the shape of the workpiece, allowing for more uniform grinding and polishing. Because the abrasive pads are arranged in a radial pattern, they can access tight corners and other hard-to-reach areas, making them ideal for intricate workpieces.

• Uniform finish
• Dont heat up
• No mess
• Non loading
• Flexible
• Can get into tiny areas

What types of radial wheels are there?

When using radial discs, it is important to select the right grit for the job. Grit refers to the size of the abrasive particles on the disc, with larger grit numbers indicating smaller particles.

Lower grit numbers, such as 80 or 120, are ideal for removing material quickly and shaping the workpiece.

Higher grit numbers, such as 400 or 600, are ideal for smoothing and polishing the workpiece.

Radial discs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, from small discs that are only a few inches in diameter to larger discs that are several inches in diameter

What tools to use with radial wheels

Radial discs are typically used with micromotors which offer the best precision or rotary tools like angle grinders, die grinders, and rotary polishers.

When using radial discs, it is important to follow proper safety procedures to avoid injury. Always wear eye protection and a dust mask, as the abrasive particles can be harmful if inhaled. Keep your hands and fingers away from the rotating disc, and avoid using excessive pressure that could cause the disc to break or shatter.

Radial discs- Dedeco range 

Dedeco are an American company who make the Sunburst range of Radial wheels. We think they are ideal and incredibly good value for cleaning and polishing. 

They are made of a unique range of thermoplastic-bonded abrasives. We particularly like some of the shapes Dedeco come in – for example the knife edge wheels!

Available individually & in handy assortments in multiple grits, shapes and sizes. Colour coded for easy identification.

Dedeco features

CONFORMABILITY – Flexible bristles conform to contours, cracks and corners while working equally well on flat surfaces.

LONG-LASTING – Uniformly blended bristles guarantee extended wear life and a consistent, uniform finish.

COOL RUNNING – Generates minimal heat reducing potential damage or distortion to the work surface.

OPERATING SPEEDS – Recommended operating speeds for most applications is 3,000 – 18,000 RPM (5,00 for wood working). Lower speeds allow a softer touch, greater flexibility and more subtle results. Higher speeds provide more aggressive material removal. Using the tip of the bristles with light pressure maximizes disc life.

MODULAR – Use a single disc for tight areas like slots and grooves or stack them for larger surface area.

Sunburst Radial wheels by Dedeco for cleaning and polishing are ideal for a range of sectors and industries.

Useful information when using Radial wheels

• Dedeco TC Radial Discs 6″ will require 8 x leaves to make a 6” x ½” wheel.
• Dedeco wheels will require a flange if your machine has a straight axel. If you have a taper (pigtail) then you will need a flange and the taper bore.

 

In summary

Radial discs are a versatile and effective tool for grinding, polishing, and finishing various materials. They are available in a wide range of sizes and grits, making them suitable for a variety of applications.

When using radial discs, it is important to select the right grit for the job, follow proper safety procedures, and use the disc with the appropriate rotary tool. With the right technique and equipment, radial discs can help you achieve high-quality results in your grinding and polishing projects.

More Information about radial wheels 

For more information on radial discs give us a call – we have experts here who have been polishing for years! 

And take a look at our You Tube page for videos of us hard at work finishing!