11U162 - Walter ZIP ALU 6-Inch Type 27 Aluminum Cutting Wheel

High-Performance Cutting for Non-Ferrous Metals

The Walter ZIP ALU™ 6" x 3/64" Type 27 Cutting Wheel (SKU: 11U162) is an industrial-grade abrasive solution engineered specifically to address the unique challenges of cutting aluminum and other non-ferrous metals. In industrial fabrication and MRO environments, standard cutting wheels often fail when applied to soft metals due to "loading" or clogging, where the metal adheres to the abrasive grain, rendering the wheel ineffective and dangerous. The ZIP ALU™ formulation prevents this glazing effect, ensuring continuous, aggressive cutting action throughout the life of the wheel.

Type 27 Depressed Center Design

This specific model features a Type 27 depressed center profile. This design offers distinct advantages in structural rigidity and versatility. The depressed center allows the locking nut to be recessed, enabling the operator to perform flush cuts against surfaces without interference. Furthermore, the added rigidity of the Type 27 shape helps withstand the lateral forces sometimes encountered during heavy-duty cutting operations, providing an extra layer of safety and stability for the operator.

Cost Efficiency and Operational Safety

For procurement managers and shop supervisors, the Walter ZIP ALU™ represents a significant opportunity for cost savings. Its extended lifespan means fewer wheel changes, resulting in less downtime and higher throughput per shift. The wheel's ability to cut cool and fast also reduces heat discoloration and burr formation on the workpiece, thereby decreasing the labor time required for secondary finishing processes. Safety is paramount in the design, with heavy-duty reinforcement that meets strict industrial safety standards, protecting workers from wheel breakage even under demanding torque.

Technical Specifications and Compatibility

With a 6-inch diameter and a standard 7/8-inch arbor, this wheel is compatible with most industrial 6-inch angle grinders. The ultra-thin 3/64-inch thickness minimizes friction and material loss, translating to faster cuts and reduced energy consumption by the power tool. While optimized for aluminum, the proprietary abrasive blend is versatile enough to handle occasional cuts on ferrous metals without compromising the wheel's integrity, making it a versatile addition to any tool crib.