07F061 - Walter Line-Mate Expanding Rubber Drum 5-3/8 Inch

Industrial Linear Finishing Drum

The Walter Surface Technologies 07-F-061 Expanding Drum is a specialized abrasive accessory engineered to facilitate high-quality linear finishing on metal surfaces. With a diameter of 5-3/8 inches and a width designed to accommodate standard surface finishing belts, this drum is a core component for operators using the Walter Line-Mate system. The unit features a robust internal 5/8"-11 threaded arbor, allowing for direct and secure mounting onto compatible linear finishing tools and variable-speed polishers equipped with matching spindles.

The primary mechanism of this drum relies on centrifugal expansion. Constructed from durable, flexible rubber, the drum's circumference expands slightly when rotated at operating speeds. This expansion creates a tight, non-slip interference fit against the inner liner of the abrasive belt. This design eliminates the need for locking screws, bolts, or adhesives, thereby reducing downtime during belt changes. Operators can simply slide a belt on when the tool is stationary and rely on the physics of the tool's rotation to secure it during the finishing process. This feature is particularly advantageous in high-production environments where frequent grit changes are necessary to achieve specific surface roughness averages (Ra).

Furthermore, the rubber construction of the drum acts as a cushion, providing a degree of compliance that helps the abrasive conform to slight irregularities in the workpiece. This "soft" contact patch is essential for blending operations and for preventing chatter marks or gouging that can occur with rigid backing pads. The 07-F-061 is specifically balanced to minimize vibration, ensuring operator comfort and reducing fatigue during extended use. It is rated for the specific RPM ranges typical of linear finishing applications, ensuring safety and optimal performance of the abrasive media.

In industrial maintenance and fabrication settings, this expanding drum is indispensable for applications involving stainless steel, aluminum, and other non-ferrous metals. It serves as the driving force for a wide variety of belts, including non-woven conditioning belts, cloth-backed sanding belts, and polishing bands. By providing a stable and consistent backing, the Walter Expanding Drum ensures that the linear grain applied to the metal is uniform, straight, and aesthetically pleasing, meeting the rigorous standards of food processing equipment, pharmaceutical tanks, and architectural metalwork.