What are fiber discs?
Fibre discs are abrasive grinding discs made from vulcanised fibre with abrasive grain applied. They are intended exclusively for grinding on angle grinders.
Fiber discs are distinguished by the type of hole:
- Plain bore— with a simple round hole
- Slotted bore— with a figured (slotted) hole
- Shaped peripheries - with shaped peripheries
Back-up pad — required
Fiber discs are thin and flexible. Without a backing disc, they deform under load, leading to breakage, overheating, and injury.
Protective cover
- For 180 mm and 230 mm discs - grinding housing with closed top protection
- For discs less than 180 mm - standard casing
EN 13743 marking
Fiber discs and backing discs are marked according to the EN 13743 standard. The marking is applied both to the disc itself (or packaging) and to the backing disc.
Key labeling elements:
- Declaration of conformity EN 13743 (on the disc and on the support disc)
- Restriction: "Use with support disc"
- Maximum speed (rpm)
- Maximum operating speed (m/s)
- Manufacturer / brand
- PPE icons
- Dimensions (mm)
11 safety rules: WHAT TO DO and WHAT NOT TO DO
1. Check the EN 13743 marking
✅ CORRECT: Make sure the disc or its packaging is marked EN 13743.
❌ WRONG: Do not use a disc without the EN 13743 marking.
2. Read the instructions
✅ CORRECT: Always read the safety instructions.
❌ WRONG: Don't throw away the instructions without reading them.
3. Inspect the disk
✅ CORRECT: Inspect the disc for cracks, wear, unusual stains before each use.
❌ WRONG: Never operate a damaged disc.
4. Check the speed of the machine and the support disk
✅ CORRECT: The speed of the machine and backing disc should not exceed the maximum speed of the fiber disc.
❌ WRONG: Do not use the disc if its speed is lower than the speed of the machine.
5. Always with a backing disc
✅ CORRECT: Always install the fiber disc on a back-up pad.
❌ WRONG: Never use a fiber disc without a backing pad. This is extremely dangerous.
6. Proper fastening
✅ CORRECT: Align the special clamping nut correctly.
❌ WRONG: A skewed nut leads to play and uneven wear.
7. Protective cover is mandatory
✅ CORRECT: Always work with a protective cover.
❌ WRONG: Never remove the casing.
8. Secure the workpiece
✅ CORRECT: The workpiece must be securely fixed.
❌ WRONG: Never sand an unstable workpiece.
9. Personal protective equipment
✅ CORRECT: Use a full set of PPE: glasses, gloves, headphones, respirator.
❌ WRONG: Never sand without protective equipment.
10. Only for grinding at an angle of 10°
✅ CORRECT: Fiber discs are designed to grind at an angle of approximately 10° to the surface.
❌ WRONG: Never use fiber discs for cutting.
11. Smooth movements without excessive pressure
✅ RIGHT: Work in even movements along the surface without excessive force.
❌ WRONG: Never put pressure on the disc - this causes overheating, rapid wear, and the risk of breakage.
Differences between fibrotic and lobular discs
| Parameter | Fibrous disc | Petal circle |
|---|---|---|
| Support disc | Mandatory | Not needed |
| Flexibility | High | Moderate |
| Aggressiveness of removal | High | Moderate |
| Cleanliness of processing | Coarse-medium | Medium-high |
| Working angle | ~10° | 15-30° |
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to work with a fiber disc without a backing disc?
Absolutely not. Fiber discs are thin and flexible - without a back-up pad, they deform under load. This leads to breakage, overheating and serious injuries. A back-up pad is a must.
How do fiber discs differ from petal discs?
Main differences: fiber discs require a back-up pad, have higher material removal aggressiveness, work at an angle of ~10°. Flap discs do not require a back-up pad, give a cleaner surface and work at an angle of 15-30°.
At what angle should I work with a fiber disc?
Fibre discs are designed to be sanded at an angle of approximately 10° to the surface. This ensures optimum contact and efficient material removal. Do not work at too high an angle as this reduces efficiency and increases wear.
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