ISO 15635:2001

Overview

ISO 15635:2001 is an international standard established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that specifies the nominal dimensions, tolerances, and designations of flap discs used as coated abrasives. Flap discs are essential tools utilized on handheld grinding machines without support discs, widely applied in metalworking, fabrication, and surface finishing industries. This standard ensures consistency, safety, and reliability in the manufacturing and application of flap discs worldwide.

Key Topics

• Scope and Application
  ISO 15635:2001 primarily covers the dimensional specifications and standardized identification for flap discs. It applies specifically to flap discs designed for handheld grinding tools that operate independently of support discs.

• Types and Dimensions
  The standard defines two primary types of flap discs-Type A and Type B-along with precise measurements for outer diameter (ranging from 100 mm to 230 mm), thickness, and other critical dimensions. These dimensional tolerances guarantee compatibility with grinding machines and user safety.

• Test Conditions
  Testing of flap discs must occur under controlled conditions of temperature (20°C ± 2°C) and humidity (65% ± 5%) as per ISO 554, ensuring reliable and repeatable performance assessments.

• Designation and Marking
  Flap discs compliant with ISO 15635 must be clearly labeled with:

  • Grain size
  • Manufacturer or supplier identification (including registered trademarks)
  • Outside diameter in millimeters
  • Maximum operating speed and permissible rotation speed

  The standardized designation format facilitates proper identification and helps end users select appropriate discs for various grinding applications.

Applications

ISO 15635:2001 supports the widespread industrial use of flap discs in:

• Metal fabrication and finishing
  Flap discs are essential for deburring, blending, cleaning weld seams, and surface preparation on metal parts, promoting high-quality finishes.

• Automotive and aerospace industries
  Precision grinding and surface smoothing are critical, and standardized flap discs ensure consistent performance and safety.

• Construction and maintenance
  Portable grinding tools fitted with ISO-compliant flap discs enable efficient on-site repairs and material shaping.

Implementing ISO 15635 ensures compatibility of flap discs with handheld grinders and promotes user safety by standardizing maximum speeds and material quality.

Related Standards

ISO 15635 references and complements several other ISO standards related to coated abrasives and testing methodologies, including:

• ISO 554:1976 – Standard atmospheres for conditioning and/or testing, defining environmental conditions for testing abrasive tools.
• ISO 6344 Series – Grain size analysis of coated abrasives, covering tests for grain size distribution across different grit sizes:
  • ISO 6344-1:1998 – General grain size distribution test
  • ISO 6344-2:1998 – Macrogrits P12 to P220
  • ISO 6344-3:1998 – Microgrits P240 to P2500

These related standards ensure a comprehensive approach to the quality control and performance evaluation of coated abrasive products, enhancing reliability throughout their lifecycle.

By adhering to ISO 15635:2001 requirements, manufacturers and end users benefit from improved product interchangeability, enhanced safety protocols, and optimized grinding performance, driving efficiency in industrial abrasive processes globally.