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Phazer® The Newest Non-Woven Flap Disc

Flexovit USA, Inc. has introduced Phazer® – a new non-woven flap disc!

Phazer is a Type 29, 4-1/2 and 5-inch non-woven flap disc, available in four grits: Course, medium, fine and extra fine.

Phazer is great to use for surface preparation on metal, concrete, plastic, fiberglass and wood making it one of the most versatile non-woven products. Excellent for removing surface defects, light edge burrs, parting lines, flashings, rust, oxides, corrosion, paints and scale.

Established in Angola, New York, in 1977, Flexovit USA is a manufacturer of high productivity abrasive products for portable power tools.  Flexovit manufactures grinding wheels, cutting wheels, and abrasive flap discs at their 100,000 square foot ISO Quality Certified manufacturing facility.  Flexovit manufactures products that are supplied to professional welding, industrial, and construction trade users through authorized Distributors in USA, Canada and Mexico.

If you would like more information about this topic, please call Pierre Hawkins at

716-549-5100 x 273.

Flexovit USA, Inc. 1305 Eden Evans Center Road Angola, NY 14006

flexovitabrasives.com

What are non-woven abrasives?

What are non-woven abrasives?

Non-woven abrasives are a three-dimensional web of fibers with globules of resin and abrasive embedded into the network of fibers. Typically, the fibers are nylon or another synthetic material. The abrasive types can range from silicon carbide to aluminum oxide or ceramic alumina. Non-woven materials are converted into belts, discs, pads, flap wheels and flap discs to fit a variety of power tools.

 

Due to the three-dimensional structure, the finish is determined by grades rather than grit size,

and a range of grits are used to determine the grade. A finer grade offers a smoother finish, while coarse grades are good for cutting through heavy scale and debris for surface preparation.

 

Behavior of Non-woven abrasives

The three-dimensional network of fibers can compress like a sponge, or a spring, to help control

the rate of cut. This allows the abrasive to better conform to the surface without gouging, scratching, or causing other grinding defects. Non-wovens are a good choice for cleaning and surface preparation, as well as finishing operations such as deburring, polishing, and decorative finishing. While non-woven materials are extremely versatile, they are not the optimal choice for heavy material removal.

 

Workpiece materials

Non-woven abrasives are effective for use on stainless steel, standard or alloyed steel, nonferrous materials and alloys, aluminum, titanium, fiberglass, plastic and wood.

 

How to use

Non-woven abrasive grade, operating speed and pressure can be used to achieve the desired finish.  Different materials may require different grades, speeds, and various pressures.

 

Abrasive grade

Coarse:  For removing scale, rust, heavy deburring, flashings, paint and coatings.

Medium:  For lighter surface prep and cleaning, weld cleaning, blending, light deburring.

Fine: For light cleaning, blending and finishing.

Extra Fine: For final finishing and polishing, decorative finishing.

 

In general, coarser grades will leave deeper scratches on the work surface, and finer grades will leave less scratches.  Materials may require a coarser grade initially, followed by a progression though finer grades to achieve desired finish.

 

Operating speed

Non-woven abrasives are most effective between 2,000 – 9,000 SFPM, depending on the tool, the workpiece material, and the desired finish.  The operating speed of the non-woven material determines the rate of cut. Lower operating speeds are suitable for cleaning, higher speeds are used for better polishing action.  Because of this, variable speed tools are useful because they can be set to operate at the different speeds needed to clean, deburr, and polish. As always with abrasive products, never operate the non-woven product at speeds that exceed the maximum R.P.M. marked on the product.

 

Pressure

For cleaning and decorative finishing, lighter pressure ranges are used. For deburring and polishing of hard materials such as steel, more pressure should be applied. Light to medium pressure is recommended for non-woven materials, generally between 3-6 pounds. The 3-D structure of the non-woven material controls the rate of cut, so excessive pressure will not result in improved polishing or cutting rate, and will cause wear of the non-woven material.

 

Flexovit

Flexovit has introduced their brand new Phazer Non-Woven Flap Disc. This new flap disc is available in Type 29, 4-½ and 5 inch diameters and is available in Coarse (brown), Medium (maroon), Fine (green) and Extra Fine (blue). These discs are highly effective in surface preparation on metal, concrete, plastic, fiberglass, and wood making them one of the most versatile non-woven products. They are excellent for removing surface defects, light edge burs, parting lines, flashing, rust, oxides, corrosion, paint, and scale. Phazer has been designed with all of your maintenance, industrial and DIY projects in mind.

 

In addition to Phazer Flexovit also offers a wide range of non-woven materials in belts, discs, pads, and flap wheels.

 

USA Made For Controlled Manufacturing

Flexovit is committed to following strict manufacturing standards and safe product use. These standards are carried into each of our production processes. Flexovit’s Quality System is ISO certified, so you can count on every item being produced in exactly the same way, with the same results.

 

Contact us today for more information
1-800-689-3539
flexovitabrasives.com
info@flexovitabrasives.com

Flexovit USA, Inc. a Letter from our President & CEO

To our valued customers,
 
Flexovit USA, Inc. is unwavering in its mission to be your most valued supplier of abrasive products to those that require the highest levels of product quality and service. As an industry leader, our aim is to continuously supply abrasive products to meet your requirements regardless of market conditions. 

As the news regarding the corona virus is all encompassing and sometimes overwhelming, our hope is that your business operations are not severely impacted by interruptions. We are cognizant of the supply issues from the Pacific Rim countries, and from European suppliers. Rest assured, the Flexovit USA, Inc. business focuses on “Made in America” and is ready and capable of filling all your product needs. 

Our manufacturing facility in Angola, NY is operating in normal planning mode with the latest automated technological equipment. We strategically possess top quality raw materials to manufacture and fulfill all your future requirements. 

Thank you for your business, should you have any questions feel free to call, we are ready to serve you. 

Thomas Calabrese
President & CEO
Flexovit USA, Inc. 
Flexovit Canada Abrasives Ltd. 
Flexovit de Latinoamerica S. de R.L. de C.V. 

Flexovit Has Introduced a NEW Patent Pending Product – CAPSTONE™

Flexovit USA, Inc. has introduced CAPSTONE™ – a new, patent pending, cupwheel alternative!

Capstone™ is a grinding wheel designed as an alternative product to Type 6 and Type 11 cupwheels. It is designed to be used on the same tools and applications as non-reinforced cupwheels but is fully reinforced for maximum safety.

The Capstone™ has a fast metal removal rate with less pressure, and without gouging the work surface. 

Capstone™ wheels fit completely under Type 11 guards.  They are built with 4 full layers of high tensile fiberglass reinforcement for maximum workplace safety.

Established in Angola, New York, in 1977, Flexovit USA is a manufacturer of high productivity abrasive products for portable power tools.  Flexovit manufactures grinding wheels, cutting wheels, and abrasive flap discs at their 100,000 square foot ISO Quality Certified manufacturing facility.  Flexovit manufactures products that are supplied to professional welding, industrial, and construction trade users through authorized Distributors in USA, Canada and Mexico.

If you would like more information about this topic, please call Pierre Hawkins at

716-549-5100 x 273.

Flexovit USA, Inc. 1305 Eden Evans Center Road Angola, NY 14006

Check out our CAPSTONE™ video on Youtube!

100th Anniversary of Bickles Hardware & Supply

Flexovit Canada Abrasives was honored to be an invited participant in the 100th Anniversary Celebration of Bickles Hardware & Supply.   On Saturday, August 24th, Main Street, Niagara Falls was turned into a huge block party celebration and sale of the century.  Suppliers displayed and demonstrated their product lines.  The main event stage featured live bands and radio broadcast, along with the raffle of a fabulous 2019 Toyota Tundra, with food provided by several food trucks. The highlight of the day was the unveiling of a 5 ton, life-size sculpture recreating the iconic 1932 photo of ironworkers sharing lunch atop a steel beam while building the Rockefeller Center in Manhattan.

Flexovit Canada Abrasives participate in the 100th Anniversary Celebration of Bickles Hardware & Supply.

FLEXOVIT USA, INC. HAS INTRODUCED E.T.™ – ERGONOMIC TECHNOLOGY

Flexovit USA, Inc. has introduced E.T.™ – Ergonomic Technology- a new saucer shaped wheel!

E.T.™ grinding wheels feature a ‘built-in’ grinding angle, which allows the operator to keep their elbow lower and their shoulder more relaxed than they would with a Type 27 or Type 28 wheel. This patent pending ergonomic design reduces worker fatigue.

The E.T.™ shape also provides aggressive metal removal with less pressure, and without gouging the work surface. It is intended for both flat surfaces, and rugged edge grinding or beveling. It is especially effective on curved surfaces, where the operator must reach or stretch to perform the job.

E.T.™ wheels are designed to fit under standard angle grinder guards. They are built with 3 full layers of high tensile fiberglass reinforcement for maximum workplace safety.

Established in Angola, New York, in 1977, Flexovit USA is a manufacturer of high productivity abrasive products for portable power tools. Flexovit manufactures grinding wheels, cutting wheels, and abrasive flap discs at their 100,000 square foot ISO Quality Certified manufacturing facility. Flexovit manufactures products that are supplied to professional welding, industrial, and construction trade users through authorized Distributors in USA, Canada and Mexico.

 
 
Check out our E.T. video on Youtube

Telegraph Road Race

August 12, 2018 – Herman Van Leeuwen hosted the 7th annual Telegraph Road Race at Flexovit USA, Inc. in Angola, NY. Herman is the MIS Supervisor at Flexovit and is a member of the Checkers Running Club. Each year he hosts the Telegraph Road Race at different locations, and each year donations raised go to a charity of his choice.

This year, Telegraph Road Race raised $1,400 from 60 runners for Footsteps of Western New York. Footsteps of Western New York is a foundation to help children and adults who suffer from cerebral palsy.

The objective of the Telegraph Road Race is to listen to “Telegraph Road”—a song by Dire Straits—for 14 minutes and 18 seconds and run as far as you can.

This year’s male winner was Christopher Smykal with a distance of 2.5 miles, and this year’s female winner was Sabrina Quiros with a distance of 1.93 miles!

Once the Telegraph Road Race came to a finish, Flexovit’s plant manager Bob Riehle gave a tour of the manufacturing facility, and Josue Natal, the grinding test technician, gave a grinding demo to conclude the event.

Congratulations to everyone who participated and helped an important cause!


What Makes Flexovit’s Razorblade Line The Best On The Market?

When it comes to high-volume cutting, you need a wheel that cuts fast, lasts a long time, and brings a high level of safety. You need the hardest working cutoff wheel on the market. Metal workers know that angle grinder cutoff wheels aren’t an area you can afford to skimp on. Flexovit knows this as well, which is why we’ve spent over 20 years refining our Razorblade line of thin cutoff wheels to optimize value and improve your bottom line. Razorblades are our most popular wheel, and with good reason.
What are Razorblade Wheels?
The Razorblade line is a series of thin cutoff wheels for use with angle grinders. The Razorblade line includes seven variations, each intentionally designed to meet a different set of needs.

● Razorblade, for long life
● Razorblade EZ, for fast cutting
● Razorblade HD, for heavy duty use
● Razorblade 27 SS, for free cutting on stainless steel
● Razorblade ALU, for load free cutting on aluminum
● Razor Thin, thin profile for narrowest kerf
● Razor Combo, for cutting, deburring and light grinding

Razorblade wheels were all designed with extra durable bond formulations, and for fast cutting action with narrow kerf.

What makes Razorblade wheels so great? Flexovit has devoted decades to research and improvement in three key areas: value, safety, and quality.
The Most Bang For Your Buck
Razorblade cutoff wheels comes in both Type 1 (flat) and Type 27 (depressed center). There are product options available for cutting all ferrous metals, stainless steel and aluminum (as well as non-ferrous metals like bronze and copper). They’re available in sizes from 4” to 7”, and are available in seven specifications. In short, Razorblade wheels are amazingly versatile, offering options that suit a wide variety of needs and applications.

What makes Razorblade wheels the best value isn’t just their versatility and flexible product offerings, though. We’re confident that our wheels will outperform any other wheel on the market. In fact, we challenge you to come in and see for yourself with our P.A.C.E. Challenge.

Below is real data from past P.A.C.E. Challenges, in which a Flexovit Razorblade wheel performed in head-to-head matchups with various competitor products. In these tests, plunge cuts were made until the point at which the flange did not allow a complete top-to-bottom cut due to wear on the wheel.

*Plunge cuts on ½” Sch 40 pipe (area 1.5 sq.cm per cut) at 10 amps.
**All wheels are 4 ½” x 7/8” Type 1 thin cutoff wheels

Razorblade wheels consistently deliver the most work per penny, making the most cuts before wearing out. We know that changing and mounting new wheels is a hassle that takes several minutes each time, so we design all our wheels to last longer than competing products.
The Safest Construction
When you have a wheel spinning at high RPM’s, safety is your top priority. If that wheel cracks, it quickly disintegrates, scattering dangerous wheel fragments at high speed. Of course, workers should always take proper safety precautions including wearing protective eyewear and clothing, using proper safety guards on power tools, respecting maximum RPM ratings marked on the wheel, and other precautions consistent with ANSI Code B7.1. But isn’t it better to also use wheels whose safety features are the best on the market?

Resinoid-reinforced cutoff wheels, including Razorblade wheels, are constructed with fiberglass to prevent them from breaking. In order for the fiberglass to bond with the wheel matrix, it must be coated with phenolic resin before inclusion in the wheel. Since the resin coating gets drier with time, it is important that the coated and cut fiberglass is used within a certain time frame. Most manufacturers buy pre-coated, precut fiberglass for inclusion in their wheels. However, Flexovit coats and cuts the fiberglass at our plant as part of our manufacturing process. This means that the fiberglass is always freshly coated, which creates a more unified bond with the matrix of resin and grain when the wheel is produced. Because we have more control over this process, our fiberglass reinforcement gives the wheel strength to resist centrifugal and side load forces. It boils down to this: freshly-coated fiberglass creates a better bond, which results in a safer product. With in-house fiberglass coating and cutting, Flexovit maintains a significantly higher degree of quality control when it comes to the safety and performance of our grinding wheels.
USA Made For Controlled Manufacturing
We also maintain a high degree of control over the rest of our production processes. Razorblade wheels, like all Flexovit resin-bonded wheels, are made right here in the United States. And that’s important, because it means we retain control over every aspect of production. Our raw materials are sourced domestically, and all of our production happens in-house. We’re proud to be a USA manufacturer who supports other USA manufacturers. Flexovit Razorblades are made without compromise in the USA.

Flexovit is committed to following strict manufacturing standards and safe product use, and these standards are carried into each and every one of our production processes. Flexovit’s Quality System is ISO certified, so you can count on every item being produced in exactly the same way, with the same results.
The Longest Lasting, Hardest Working Cutoff Wheel You Can Buy
Razorblade wheels offer the longest life in the toughest applications. They’re an essential tool in any metalworking facility that consistently outlast, out-cut, and outperform other wheels on the market.

Flexovit earns excellence award

Flexovit USA, Inc. has been awarded the 2018 Award for General Excellence at the sixth annual Buffalo Business First Manufacturing Awards honoring “companies that are making a difference in Western New York through employment, innovation and community involvement.”

“We are honored to be selected as a Manufacturer of Distinction by Western New York’s Business First,” says Flexovit CEO Mr. Tom Calabrese.  “It is a tribute to all of the excellent employees within our company that have focused on continuous manufacturing improvements, world class technology and active contributions in our community.”

Established in Angola, New York, in 1977, Flexovit USA is a manufacturer of high productivity abrasive products for portable power tools.  Flexovit manufactures grinding wheels, cutting wheels, and abrasive flap discs at their 100,000 square foot ISO Quality Certified manufacturing facility.  Flexovit USA manufactured products are supplied to professional welding, industrial, and construction trade users through authorized Distributors in USA, Canada and Mexico.

The annual business awards are sponsored by Buffalo Business First, the Erie County Industrial Development Agency, Insyte Consulting, and KeyBank.  The award was presented at an awards breakfast on May 15, 2018.

If you would like more information about this topic, please call Pierre Hawkins at 716-549-5100 x 273.

Flexovit USA, Inc. 1305 Eden Evans Center Road Angola, NY 14006

 


Pictured left to right: Pierre Hawkins Director of Sales & Marketing, Bob Riehle Director of Manufacturing and Human Resources, Alex Brunelle Director of Finance, Tom Calabrese President & CEO.

 

Flexovit Releases O.T.G. Abrasive Wheels

Flexovit USA has introduced O.T.G. – OFF THE GRID abrasive wheels designed specifically for cordless power tools. The new OFF THE GRID line includes O.T.G. depressed center grinding wheels, RAZORBLADE O.T.G. depressed center cutoff wheels, and ZIRC O.T.G. zirconia flap discs.

O.T.G. – OFF THE GRID abrasive products extend cordless tool runtime by 30% to 80% before requiring a recharge, compared to conventional abrasive wheels. The patent pending formulation and design delivers high metal removal rates comparable to Flexovit’s high productivity grinding and cutting wheels, while optimizing the available power.

O.T.G. – OFF THE GRID products will increase productivity and reduce battery change downtime on all metalworking and fabricating jobs where a cordless angle grinder/sander is the tool of choice.