Unlike traditional grinding wheels that can load up (clog) or require dressing, a flap disc essentially self-sharpens. The overlapping flaps also provide a cushioning effect, leading to smoother operation, less vibration, and greater operator comfort compared to hard grinding wheels. This design allows a single flap disc to perform tasks that might otherwise require multiple steps with different abrasives – effectively grinding (stock removal) and finishing (blending, smoothing) simultaneously.