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Type 27 Wheels: How to Keep Your Operators Safe


TYPE 27 SAFETY:

Type 27 wheels have been used for decades, and are a very effective tool for applications such as weld removal. When the right wheel is used with the proper safety procedures, a Type 27 wheel should cause no problems for the operator. Unfortunately, improper usage can cause immediate, severe operator injury, or long-term health issues.




Grinding Wheel Safety Guidelines

Here are a few tips to ensure your operators are using Type 27 wheels safely:

  • Check all wheels for cracks or damage before mounting.

  • Make sure the operating speed of the machine does not exceed the rated wheel speed.

  • Do not use a grinding wheel that has a rated speed less than the speed of the grinder.

  • Do not use wheels which have been dropped or otherwise damaged.

  • Do not use excessive pressure when mounting wheel between flanges. Tighten nut only enough to hold wheel firmly.

  • Do not handle or store machine carelessly. Racks or hooks should be used to support machine when not in use.

  • Do not mount more than one wheel on a single arbor. Make sure wheel hole fits machine arbor properly and the flanges are clean, flat, and the proper type and size for the wheel you are mounting.

  • Do not use a machine for an inappropriate application.

  • Do not use a machine without proper safety guard mounted securely in place.

  • Always run wheel in a protected area at least one minute before grinding.

  • Always wear protective safety glasses or proper face shield.

  • Use common sense safety practices and adhere to all local and federal laws and regulations.

This list, while not comprehensive, is supported by the Unified Abrasives Manufacturers Association (UAMA). Rex-Cut is a member of the UAMA because this organization brings together the leading minds in the industry to help develop standards, testing, and safety for the grinding wheel industry. We believe this is a critical part of being a responsible manufacturer. The UAMA also supports A.N.S.I. B7.1 which addresses safety requirements for the use and care of abrasive wheels.

One additional component that we feel should be addressed is that every operator should examine the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the abrasive wheel and for any material that will be cut/grinded/smoothed. You can find our SDS sheets here. Inhalation of dangerous substances can create long-term health issues when breathing in dust associated with using an abrasive wheel on a particular material. Most often, the dust generated from the metal itself poses a more significant risk than the abrasive.

Another recommendation is to examine the type of tool that an operator will use in conjunction with a wheel. Some units may create excessive vibration that can cause long-term muscle and/or joint problems for the operator.




How Rex-Cut Wheels Improve Workplace Safety

We believe that a superior product will help protect operators even further. That’s why Rex-Cut Type 27 wheels feature the strength and durability created from our proprietary lamination process and the interlocking aspect of the cotton fibers themselves. Cotton inherently has a natural mechanical strength and flexibility resulting in stronger products that offer controlled, low vibration grinding.

cotton fiber type 27 wheel grinding stainless steel weld

The result is that Rex-Cut Type 27 wheels are more resilient than Type 27 resinoid wheels. Resinoid wheels, similar to stone, are more brittle and can break or crack under heavy loads or if dropped. Rex-Cut uses a combination of cotton fibers, flexible bonding agents, and a high degree of reinforcement of internal fiberglass that results in extremely safe, versatile wheels that resist  jamming or fracturing. If a Type 27 wheel does fail, fragments will fly at the operator at an estimated 80 meters-per-second (180 mph). This is why the composition of our Type 27 wheels is so important to ensure operator safety.

Rex-Cut has one of the best safety records in the industry. With over 85 years of experience in engineering cotton fiber abrasives, our wheels are low vibration, low noise, and simply hold up better under the stresses of everyday use. Considering the importance of the lives at stake, it’s a record that we’re proud of.



 

Filed under: Safety